Erb's Palsy - Klumpke's Palsy - Brachial Plexus Injury Attorneys

During childbirth, the cluster of nerves affecting the movement of a baby's hand, arm and shoulder can be injured. If the upper nerves are injured, the condition is usually referred to as Erb's palsy. If the lower nerves are affected, the condition is known as Klumpke's palsy. If both the lower and upper nerves are damaged, the condition is referred to as a total brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus nerves are typically injured when the shoulder is pressed down while the head is pulled away.

During childbirth, if the baby's shoulder is trapped behind the pubic bone (shoulder dystocia) and the head is forcefully pulled by the doctor, with or without the use of forceps or a vacuum, the nerves can be damaged. The nerves can also be damaged during a breech birth or prolonged labor. Sometimes a brachial plexus injury is the result of medical negligence. Generally, doctors can foresee and prevent shoulder dystocia as there are classic warning signs such as mothers who are obese, mothers with a small pelvis, mothers who experienced excessive weight gain during pregnancy, mothers who have previously given birth to large babies, etc. If the pre-labor screening suggests the baby is too large for a vaginal delivery, the doctor should perform a caesarean section rather than attempting a risky vaginal birth.

The disability associated with brachial plexus injuries can vary from weakness to paralysis. Some brachial plexus injuries will heal on their own and others can be surgically repaired via nerve grafts, nerve transfers or muscle transfers.  Unfortunately, some brachial plexus injuries are permanent and can result in significant disability and pain.  Of course, the medical care associated with both a temporary and permanent injury is fraught with physical, emotional and financial issues.

If you believe your child has suffered a brachial plexus, Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy injury, one of our medical malpractice attorneys will discuss your case with you and advise your family of its rights in a free, no-obligation consultation. If the injury was caused by a substandard birthing assessment or a negligent birthing maneuver, we will aggressively fight for your family to ensure you receive the justice and compensation your child deserves. 

John Day is board-certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys in the field of Medical Malpractice. His reputation and experience resulted in John being asked to testify in front of the Tennessee Legislature on Tennessee's medical malpractice laws and proposed changes to those laws.  Because of his successful work on behalf of satisfied clients, Best Lawyers has twice named John the Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year for Nashville, and Best Lawyers has recognized him for his work in medical malpractice every year since 2007.  On the medical side, our on-staff, full-time nurse can assist you with your medical questions and concerns.  We invite you to review some of our birth injury case results.

Our award-winning team handles all birth-injury cases on a contingency basis so we only get paid if we recover money for you and your child. To find out if we think you have a claim,  please contact us online or call us at:

Nashville: 615-669-3993

Murfreesboro: 615-867-9900

Brentwood: 615-742-4880

Toll-Free: 866-812-8787