Welcoming a child into the world should be one of life’s most joyous moments. But for some families, what should be a time of celebration turns into a time of worry and uncertainty because of unexpected birth injuries, like Erb’s palsy. If your child has suffered from Erb’s palsy due to medical negligence, you deserve answers, support, and justice.
An experienced Baltimore Erb’s palsy lawyer from Furman Honick Law can help you take the next steps. Our legal team is dedicated to holding negligent medical professionals accountable while securing the resources your child needs not just to overcome challenges but also to thrive. This isn’t just a legal case—it’s about your child’s future, and we’re here to fight for it with determination, compassion, and care.
If you believe your child’s Erb’s palsy was caused by a medical error, reach out for a free consultation today.
Why Choose Furman Honick Law for Your Baltimore Erb’s Palsy Case?
Choosing an attorney for a birth injury case is not just a legal decision—it’s a personal one. At Furman Honick Law, we approach each client’s case with the utmost care, knowing the difficult road families face after a child suffers a preventable injury. You’re not just another client to us; you’re a parent fighting for your child, and we’re standing right alongside you with the tools, knowledge, and dedication to make a difference.
Here’s why families trust Furman Honick Law for Erb’s palsy and birth injury claims in Baltimore and beyond:
A Track Record of Success
With over $75 million recovered for our clients, our team has a proven history of securing significant verdicts and settlements. We understand the complexities of birth injury cases and the resources required to handle them effectively.
Compassionate Advocacy
We know how devastating it is to learn your child’s injury was preventable. That’s why we approach each case with empathy and a focus on alleviating your family’s burden. From day one, we’ll listen to your story and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Unwavering Commitment to Justice
Medical practitioners hold immense responsibility during childbirth. If negligence or improper care causes harm to a child, it’s crucial to hold those responsible accountable—not just for your family’s sake, but to help prevent similar harm to others.
At Furman Honick Law, your child’s future is our focus. Our legal team is here to help ensure you get the compensation needed for medical care, therapies, and other necessities that allow your child to live the fullest life possible.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a condition caused by an injury to the brachial plexus nerves—a network of nerves near the neck that control movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This injury can happen during birth and often results in weakness, loss of function, or even paralysis in the affected arm.
While Erb’s palsy can vary in severity, its effects can include difficulty moving the arm, limited range of motion, or a permanently weakened limb. Depending on the extent of the damage, some children may recover over time with therapy, while others may require extensive medical intervention.
The emotional weight Erb’s palsy places on families is enormous. Parents may face feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration while navigating the realities of providing a lifetime of care for their child. Often, however, these injuries are not your fault as a parent—they result from negligence or avoidable errors made during childbirth.
Understanding Erb’s palsy and why it occurred is the first step to seeking justice. Our compassionate team at Furman Honick Law is here to help answer your questions and hold negligent parties accountable.
How Does Erb’s Palsy Happen?
Erb’s palsy typically occurs during difficult or improperly managed deliveries. When a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck in the birth canal (a condition called shoulder dystocia), improper techniques or excessive force can damage the fragile brachial plexus nerves. Common causes of Erb's palsy include:
- Excessive Pulling on the Baby’s Neck or Shoulders. During assisted deliveries, doctors may improperly use force to guide the baby through the birthing process. Overstretching or straining the neck and shoulder area can cause brachial plexus injuries.
- Use of Tools Like Forceps or Vacuum Extractors. Misuse of delivery tools can exert too much pressure on the baby’s shoulder and neck, causing damage.
- Failure to Anticipate or Respond to Complications. If a medical provider fails to recognize risk factors like a large baby, breech position, or prolonged labor, they may not take appropriate precautions to prevent injury.
Erb's palsy is rarely an unavoidable complication. Instead, it often stems from mistakes made by the medical team caring for you and your baby during delivery. These errors can leave families with a lifetime of challenges to overcome. But with a legal advocate by your side, you can pursue compensation to provide your child with the care and resources they truly deserve.
If your baby sustained a birth injury like Erb’s palsy, Furman Honick Law is here to protect your rights and hold responsible parties accountable.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Baltimore Erb’s Palsy Case?
When a child suffers Erb’s palsy due to medical negligence, determining liability becomes a key step in pursuing justice. Depending on the circumstances of your case, several parties may be held responsible, including:
Doctors or Obstetricians
The medical professionals directly overseeing the labor and delivery process bear significant responsibility for protecting the health of both mother and baby. Failing to properly monitor your condition, respond to complications, or employ safe delivery techniques can make them liable for birth injuries caused by their negligence.
Nurses or Support Staff
A delivery team is only as strong as its members. If nurses or support staff fail to communicate key information, monitor fetal distress, or provide necessary assistance to the attending physician, their actions (or inactions) can contribute to harm.
The Hospital or Birthing Facility
If systemic issues such as understaffing, lack of proper training, or failure to provide appropriate birthing equipment play a role in your child’s injury, the institution where you delivered may be held liable.
Establishing liability in a Baltimore Erb’s palsy case requires an in-depth investigation by qualified legal professionals. At Furman Honick Law, we work closely with medical experts and leave no stone unturned in identifying who was responsible for your child’s injury. From there, we fight tirelessly on your family’s behalf, seeking justice and maximum compensation for your losses.
Filing a Claim Isn’t Just About Money—It’s About Your Child’s Future
For many families, filing a birth injury claim isn’t only about holding negligent parties accountable, although that’s an important step. Pursuing compensation is also about securing the necessary resources to help your child overcome the challenges they face.
A successful birth injury claim can help cover critical expenses, such as:
- Ongoing Medical Care: Surgery, therapy, and regular doctor visits.
- Assistive Devices or Equipment: Braces, splints, or mobility aids that support rehabilitation.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: Services that help your child regain strength and mobility.
- Educational and Developmental Support: Specialized learning programs or techniques that support your child’s growth.
- Lost Wages and Other Financial Strain: Compensating for the time you may need to take off work to care for your child.
Our goal is to make sure your family has what you need to focus on your child’s healing and development without the fear of financial hardship. To us, every case is about providing hope, solutions, and support when families need them most.
Do I Have a Birth Injury Claim?
Determining whether you have a valid birth injury claim begins with understanding the role medical negligence may have played in your child’s Erb’s palsy diagnosis. Birth injuries like Erb’s palsy often result from preventable mistakes during labor and delivery, such as excessive force, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to respond to complications. If your child’s injury could have been avoided with proper care, you may have grounds for a claim.
A critical step in this process is consulting an experienced birth injury attorney. At Furman Honick Law, we conduct thorough reviews of medical records, consult with experts, and evaluate the events of your child’s birth to uncover any instances of negligence. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action to seek justice for your family.
Baltimore Erb’s Palsy FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Erb’s Palsy:
How do I know if my child’s Erb’s palsy is the result of medical negligence?
Determining whether medical negligence caused your child’s Erb’s palsy often requires a careful review of the circumstances surrounding their birth. If excessive force was used, tools like forceps or vacuum extractors were improperly applied, or warning signs like shoulder dystocia were not adequately addressed, negligence may have been a factor. Consulting a lawyer experienced in birth injury cases can help uncover these details.
How long do I have to file a birth injury claim in Maryland?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases typically allows three years from the date of injury to file a claim. However, in cases involving children, the timeline can sometimes be extended. That said, it’s always best to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. A skilled attorney can guide you through these legal deadlines and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.
How much does it cost to hire an Erb’s palsy lawyer?
Hiring an Erb’s palsy lawyer is more affordable than many families realize because most work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and the lawyer only gets paid attorney’s fees if they recover compensation in your case.
Will filing a claim affect my relationship with my doctor?
It’s understandable to worry about how taking legal action might impact your relationship with your doctor. However, pursuing justice through a claim is a step toward holding negligent care providers accountable, ensuring your child’s future needs are met, and preventing similar harm to others. The decision to file a claim doesn’t mean you’re against the entire medical profession—it’s about seeking accountability in situations where a standard of care was not met.
What evidence do I need to prove a birth injury case?
Proving a birth injury claim like Erb’s palsy requires thorough evidence that links medical negligence to your child’s condition. This typically includes medical records from the labor and delivery, expert testimony to establish the accepted standard of care, and documentation of the injury and its impact on your child. Additional supporting evidence, such as witness statements or records of prior issues with the medical provider, may strengthen your case.
At Furman Honick Law, we manage the entire investigative process, gathering and presenting the evidence needed to build the strongest possible claim.
Contact Our Trusted Baltimore Erb’s Palsy Lawyers Today
When your child’s future is at stake, you need trusted advocates who care about your family’s well-being and are relentless in the pursuit of justice. At Furman Honick Law, we understand the challenges you face after an Erb’s palsy diagnosis, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our dedicated Baltimore personal injury lawyer is ready to help you secure the compensation and resources your family needs for a brighter future. Every step we take is driven by compassion, determination, and our unwavering commitment to your child’s well-being.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact Furman Honick Law today at (410) 844-6000 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. Together, we’ll stand up for what matters most—your family’s future.