New York Erb’s Palsy Attorneys

Dedicated Advocacy for NYC Birth Injury Victims

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, our New York Erb’s palsy attorneys understand how emotionally difficult and financially challenging it is for families when a child suffers a birth injury. Our attorneys are committed to helping you secure the fair compensation you are owed so that you can get your child the treatment he or she needs.

With decades of collective experience, our attorneys have successfully obtained settlements and verdicts in 98% of the cases they have handled, amounting to more than $200 million to date for our clients. We are ready to guide you through the process and provide the personalized service you deserve every step of the way.

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• Personalized Legal Strategy.
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• Focused Practice Areas for Better Results!
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If your child was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy following a difficult labor or delivery, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Reach out to our New York Erb’s palsy attorneys at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.

What is Erb's Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a condition caused by an injury to the brachial plexus nerves, a bundle of nerves located in the shoulder/neck and which control movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand/fingers. When these nerves are damaged, often as a result of being over-stretched or torn, it can cause issues with movement, function, and sensation on the affected side.

Erb’s palsy can take several forms:

• Upper arm involvement: Nerve damage affecting the upper area of the arm
• Whole arm involvement: Nerve damage affecting both the upper and lower areas of the arm
• Hand and eye involvement: Nerve damage leading to paralysis of the hand (Klumpke’s palsy) and, sometimes, a drooping eyelid on the opposing side

Medical professionals are trained in how to deal with complications during labor and delivery that could put the baby at risk. When they do not respond properly, the baby could suffer serious injuries, including damage to the brachial plexus nerves and, ultimately, Erb’s palsy.

What Causes Erb’s Palsy?

As previously mentioned, Erb’s palsy can result when a newborn suffers damage to the brachial plexus nerves. This commonly happens when, during vaginal delivery, the baby’s head delivers but one of the shoulders becomes lodged within the birth canal. This is known as shoulder dystocia. If the delivering doctor pulls on the baby’s head in an attempt to assist in birth, it can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves, leading to serious damage.

While shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, as the baby can experience loss of oxygen if the situation becomes prolonged, medical professionals should remain calm and utilize various techniques to rectify the situation. Doctors receive training in several maneuvers meant to alleviate shoulder dystocia without causing nerve damage. However, when they panic and pull the baby’s head too hard or in the wrong direction, the results can be disastrous.

Common Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

Often, Erb’s palsy is not noticeable right away. In fact, you may not notice signs of Erb’s palsy in your child until he or she begins to experience physical developmental delays.

Some of the symptoms of Erb’s palsy in babies/children include:

• Noticeable weakness: Weakness in the affected arm
• Favoring one side: Favoring one arm/hand over the other
• Arm position changes: Holding an arm bent against the body
• Hand function issues: Poor grip strength in the affected hand
• Loss of movement: Partial or total paralysis of the arm
• Sensory and growth problems: Pain, numbness, and impaired development in the affected arm

If you notice these symptoms in your child, take him or her to a qualified medical professional for assessment. If your child is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, and you believe his or her injuries are due to a medical professional’s negligent or wrongful conduct, reach out to Simonson Goodman Platzer PC to learn how we can help.

Can Erb's Palsy Be Prevented?

Prenatal care and advanced planning by your physician and other medical professionals can prevent this condition. Erb's palsy is a complication that can be caused by certain factors, such as shoulder dystocia, induced labor, larger babies, mothers with a small pelvis, or breech presentation. A physician with experience should be aware of these factors and be prepared for a potential problem.

Despite these factors, proper planning and decision-making during childbirth should prevent shoulder dystocia. Taking preventative measures to avoid this potential birth injury should be a priority for the delivering doctor. They are primarily responsible for Erb's palsy because they failed to take these actions.

The team of NYC Erb's palsy attorneys at our firm has extensive experience litigating these types of cases, and you should contact one of us to discuss the circumstances that led to your child's injury. 

Damages and Compensation in Erb's Palsy Cases

When a child’s Erb’s palsy is linked to medical negligence, families often face significant costs that go far beyond the initial hospital stay. Ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, potential surgeries, and lost income for a parent who must reduce work to provide care can all create long-term financial strain. Understanding the types of damages that may be available helps you make informed choices about whether to pursue a claim and what a fair resolution might look like for your family.

In a New York medical malpractice case, recoverable damages can include past and future medical expenses, the cost of in-home assistance or special education services, and compensation for your child’s pain and suffering. Depending on the facts, families may also seek damages for a parent’s lost wages and the child’s reduced earning capacity in adulthood. Courts in New York, such as those in Kings County and Queens County, apply state law to evaluate medical negligence and the impact of the injury, so it is important to work with a lawyer who understands how to document these losses thoroughly.

Because every Erb’s palsy case is different, we take time to learn how the injury has affected your child’s daily life, abilities, and future prospects before discussing case value. We often work with medical professionals and life-care planners to project long-term needs, and we use that information to advocate for compensation that reflects your child’s unique situation. This careful approach can help ensure that any settlement or verdict takes into account not only current bills, but also the therapies, support, and opportunities your child may need many years from now.

Contact Our Erb's Palsy Attorney in New York Today

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy due to a birth injury, you don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. Our experienced New York Erb’s palsy attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you every step of the way. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our New York Erb's palsy lawyers, contact us online or call (800) 817-5029.