Erb's Palsy Attorney in Pittsburgh

Navigating a Birth Injury Diagnosis With Trusted Local Advocates by Your Side

When your child is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy after birth, overwhelming uncertainty can set in. As parents in Pittsburgh, you might be struggling with medical questions, financial worries, and a sense that your family’s future now depends on finding the right help. At Friday & Cox LLC, we understand what you are facing. We are here to offer clarity, support, and practical legal solutions. Every step of the way, our firm works to secure answers and resources for families navigating Erb’s Palsy. As an Erb's Palsy attorney in Pittsburgh, we treat your family’s needs as our highest priority.

Families reach out to us in some of their hardest moments, often unsure who to trust or how to take action. Our team has guided many parents through the realities of birth injuries, offering steady legal counsel and ongoing support. We stand apart through our proven record of multi-million-dollar verdicts for birth injury clients and our commitment to providing honest advice, transparent guidance, and prompt answers day or night. If you are looking for an Erb's Palsy attorney in Pittsburgh who will fight for your child’s future, you can depend on us.

Call (412) 900-8250 or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.

What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s Palsy—also known as brachial plexus birth palsy—is a condition caused by damage to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. These nerves can be stretched, torn, or completely ruptured during a difficult delivery.

Depending on the severity of the nerve injury, a child with Erb’s Palsy may experience:

• Weakness in the affected arm
• Loss of sensation
• Limited range of motion
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Abnormal muscle development

Some infants recover fully with physical therapy, while others require surgery or experience lifelong impairment. When Erb’s Palsy results from improper medical techniques, families have the right to hold negligent providers accountable.

Common Causes of Erb’s Palsy Due to Medical Malpractice

Although Erb’s Palsy can occur naturally in rare cases, many injuries stem from preventable medical errors. Doctors, nurses, and delivery teams have a legal duty to follow accepted standards of obstetric care. When they fail to do so, the risk of injury increases significantly.

Common forms of negligence that lead to Erb’s Palsy include:

Excessive Force During Delivery

This is the primary cause of Erb’s Palsy. When a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone—a condition known as shoulder dystocia—medical providers must use precise, gentle techniques to safely deliver the child. Pulling too hard on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.

Improper Handling of Shoulder Dystocia

Obstetric teams are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to this emergency. Failing to follow accepted maneuvers can result in unnecessary nerve damage.

Delayed or Improper Use of Delivery Tools

Forceps or vacuum extractors can cause severe nerve injuries if they are used incorrectly or without medical justification.

Failure to Identify Risk Factors

Doctors are expected to recognize signs that a delivery may be complicated. Common risk factors include:

• Large fetal size (macrosomia)
• Maternal diabetes
• Prolonged labor
• Breech position
• Use of epidural
• Previous shoulder dystocia

When providers fail to anticipate complications and create appropriate delivery plans, the baby’s safety is put at risk.

Failure to Recommend a Medically Necessary C-Section

In some cases, a C-section is the safest option. If a physician overlooks clear warning signs and insists on a vaginal delivery, the baby can suffer preventable harm.

If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury because of medical negligence, you may have a valid birth injury claim.

Short- & Long-Term Effects of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy affects every child differently, depending on the extent of nerve damage. Understanding the full impact of the condition helps families plan for the treatment and resources they may need.

Short-Term Effects

Infants with Erb’s Palsy may experience:

• Arm weakness or limpness
• Poor reflexes on the affected side
• Limited ability to grip objects
• Pain or discomfort
• Delayed motor milestones

Early intervention is crucial. Many children require months or years of physical and occupational therapy to restore function.

Long-Term Effects

Some children never regain full mobility. Long-term complications may include:

• Permanent loss of sensation
• Chronic pain
• Muscle atrophy
• Abnormal arm growth or bone development
• Permanent paralysis
• Reduced ability to perform daily tasks or participate in sports
• Emotional and psychological impacts

These long-term effects can create lifelong medical expenses and limit a child’s independence. A successful legal claim can provide the financial support your family needs.