Brachial plexus palsy or Erb’s palsy is a condition that affects the brachial plexus, the network of nerves controlling movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand. It is most commonly caused by birth injuries, leading to weakness, loss of function, or even paralysis in the affected limb. Many who suffer such birth injuries experience lifelong challenges. Here are four key challenges faced by individuals living with Erb’s palsy.
1. Physical limitations and performing everyday activities.
One of the most significant challenges of living with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) is the physical limitations it imposes. The extent of these limitations may vary from person to person. But, generally speaking, individuals may experience weakness, restricted range of motion or complete immobility in the affected arm. This can make completing daily tasks such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene more challenging.
Many individuals must adapt to using one arm predominantly, which can lead to strain and overuse injuries in the unaffected limb. This compensation may cause muscle imbalances and joint pain over time. Occupational and physical therapy can help individuals develop adaptive techniques. Assistive devices such as modified utensils, button hooks and Velcro fasteners, can make tasks more manageable. However, the need for these adaptations can also lead to feelings of frustration or self consciousness, particularly for children and adolescents who want to fit in with their peers.
2. Emotional and psychological impact.
Living with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) is not just a physical challenge, but it can also have emotional and psychological implications. Those with visible physical differences may experience self-esteem issues, bullying or social isolation. Children with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) may struggle with feeling different from their peers, especially if their condition prevents them from participating in certain activities such as sports.
Adults with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) may face frustration or anxiety about workplace accommodations and social perceptions. The feeling of being limited in career choices or struggling with physical tasks that others take for granted can contribute to emotional distress. Counseling, support groups and connecting with others who have Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) can help children and adults develop a positive self-image and resilience.
3. Medical treatments and financial burden
Managing Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) often involves a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming, requiring ongoing commitment from both the individual and their family.
For infants diagnosed with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy), early intervention can be critical. However, even with early treatment, some individuals require multiple surgeries, extended rehabilitation or lifelong therapy to maintain functionality. These medical expenses, combined with the cost of assistive devices and potential loss of income due to physical limitations, can place a significant financial burden on families.
Insurance coverage for necessary treatments may not always be sufficient, leaving families to navigate a complex healthcare system to access the care they need. Advocacy for better coverage and financial assistance programs can help, but the burden remains a challenge for many.
4. Career and social barriers
Finding employment and advancing in a career can be challenging for individuals with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy), especially in jobs that require physical dexterity or strength. Some fields may be more accommodating than others, but workplace discrimination or a lack of understanding about the condition can pose obstacles.
Employers may be hesitant to hire individuals with visible disabilities due to misconceptions about their abilities. Even when hired, individuals with Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) may need workplace accommodations, such as modified workstations or adjusted job responsibilities, which require self-advocacy and employer cooperation.
Socially, individuals may feel excluded from certain activities or struggle with confidence in social settings. Dating, friendships and group activities can sometimes be affected by concerns about how others perceive their condition. Education and awareness about Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus palsy) can help reduce stigma and promote inclusiveness in various aspects of life.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
The costs of caring for a child with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) or Klumpke’s palsy can add up very quickly. If your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence (carelessness), you may be able to seek compensation for damages including loss of earnings, medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, ongoing treatment and therapies, psychological counseling, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. One of our clients secured a $2,850,000 verdict that was reduced by the appeals court to $1,846,000 because the verdict was so large. This was the highest amount upheld by the appellate (appeals) courts for many, many years. In addition we recovered $1,400,000 for a newborn who lost motion in the arm during birth due to doctors applying incorrect force on the baby’s head. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
We have seen cases where New York City Health and Hospital Corporation facilities deliver babies who are born with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) stemming from negligence (carelessness), and/or medical malpractice in the labor and delivery etc. of the children. The following list identifies some of these hospitals (operated by New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation):
- Jacobi Hospital aka Bronx Municipal 1400 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, New York 10461 718-918-5000
- Lincoln Hospital 234 East 149th Street Bronx, New York 10451 718-579-5000
- North Central Bronx Hospital 3424 Kossuth Avenue Bronx, New York 10467 718-
519-5000 - Coney Island Hospital 2601 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11235 718-616-
3000 - Kings County Hospital 451 Clarkson Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11203 718-245-
3131 - Woodhull Hospital 760 Broadway Brooklyn, New York 11206 718-963-8000
- Bellevue Hospital 462 First Avenue New York, New York 10016 212-562-5555
- Harlem Hospital 506 Lenox Avenue New York, New York 10037 212-939-1000
- Metropolitan Hospital 1901 First Avenue New York, New York 10029 212-423-6262
- Elmhurst Hospital 79-01 Broadway Elmhurst, New York 11373 718-334-4000
- Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street Jamaica, New York 11432 718-883-3000
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