Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Lawyer

Was your child diagnosed with Erb’s palsy after a difficult delivery? Are you wondering whether the injury could have been prevented? These are crucial questions. Brachial plexus injuries don’t always result from malpractice, but if a delivery team fails to meet accepted standards of care, families have a right to answers and to accountability.

The Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson brings over 20 years of experience to birth injury and medical malpractice cases across Indiana. When you call us for a free consultation, our legal team can listen to your story, review the facts of your case, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options. Contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation.

How Our Experienced Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Lawyer Can Help You

At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, medical malpractice is all we do, and every client who comes through our door gets Kelley’s personal attention. Families across Indiana have trusted us with their most difficult moments, and we don’t take that trust lightly. Here’s what one of our former clients has to say about working with us:

“Kelley is absolutely phenomenal. She was one of the only lawyers to truly look at my potential case. She took my case and helped me push through to a great outcome. I highly recommend her and her firm. Kelley and Janet kept me updated, always assisted me with any questions, and didn’t treat me like a number. Kelley truly cares about her clients. I am very happy with what the outcome of my case was.”
—Cody S.

Erb’s palsy malpractice cases are medically and legally complex, and the healthcare providers and hospitals on the other side will have experienced legal teams defending them. You deserve equally strong representation. At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, our Erb’s palsy attorney and support staff can help your family by:

• Reviewing your child’s medical records and birth documentation to identify signs of negligence
• Consulting medical experts to evaluate the standard of care your delivery team provided
• Working with obstetric and neonatal experts to build a strong case on your behalf
• Calculating the full scope of your child’s current and future medical needs and related costs
• Filing all required case documents accurately and within Indiana’s legal filing deadlines
• Representing your family before the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund if necessary
• Negotiating with hospitals, medical providers, and their insurers to pursue maximum compensation
• Protecting your family from the pressure tactics that insurers and defense lawyers commonly use
• Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t on the table
• Keeping you informed and treating you with compassion at every stage of the process
• Offering a free consultation and working on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you

What Is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus palsy, a type of birth trauma involving injury to the brachial plexus nerves near the neck, shoulder, and upper arm. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the neck and into the arm, where it’s responsible for controlling movement and sensation. If the nerves in this network get stretched, compressed, or torn during birth, the result can be partial or complete loss of movement in the affected arm.

Most cases of Erb’s palsy arise from difficult deliveries. The condition is particularly common when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone, a complication known as shoulder dystocia. Risk factors include large birth weight, prolonged labor, and the use of assistive delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors. Common signs of Erb’s palsy include a limp or weakened arm, limited range of motion, a bent elbow held close to the body, and decreased grip strength on the affected side.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Erb’s Palsy

The long-term impacts of Erb’s palsy depend largely on the severity of the nerve damage. Some children recover meaningful function with early physical therapy. Others face lasting challenges that follow them well into adulthood. Erb’s palsy can significantly affect a child’s life and development, with long-term effects on independence, well-being, and the ability to participate fully in daily activities.

Permanent weakness or partial paralysis of the arm is one of the most common long-term outcomes in more serious cases. Children with Erb’s palsy may also experience delayed motor development, difficulty with everyday tasks, and reduced muscle growth in the affected limb. Many children require ongoing physical or occupational therapy, as well as assistive devices and specialized medical services throughout their lives. Some need one or more surgical procedures, including nerve grafts or muscle transfers, to restore function. The financial and emotional toll on families can be significant.

When Erb’s Palsy May Be Medical Malpractice

Not every case of Erb’s palsy is the result of malpractice, but many are. If a delivery team fails to meet the accepted standard of care during a difficult birth and that failure causes a brachial plexus injury, the family may have a valid malpractice claim.

Can you sue a hospital for Erb’s palsy? That depends on the circumstances. Common examples of medical negligence in Erb’s palsy cases include:

• Failure to identify and plan for a high-risk delivery
• Improper management of shoulder dystocia
• Excessive lateral traction on the baby’s head or neck during delivery
• Failure to recognize warning signs before and during labor
• Failure to order a timely cesarean section when risk factors are present

If you know or suspect your child’s Erb’s palsy resulted from any of these circumstances, an experienced Indianapolis Erb’s palsy lawyer can help you explore your legal options.

Attorney Kelley J. Johnson’s Experience in Erb’s Palsy in Birth Injury Cases

Kelley J. Johnson has devoted over two decades of her career to one legal practice area: medical malpractice. That singular focus means she brings deep, hard-won knowledge to every birth injury case she handles, including cases involving Erb’s palsy and other injuries that occur during labor and delivery.

Over the course of her career, Kelley has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for Indiana patients and their families. She has substantial experience with malpractice claims against healthcare providers and before the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund. She works with national medical experts in a range of specialties to build the strongest possible cases for her clients.

When you bring your family’s case to the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, you’ll work directly with Kelley and her professional legal support team, which includes a registered nurse. From start to finish, your family’s case will always get the focused, personal attention it deserves.

Why Choose Our Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Lawyer

Your family has already been through enough. If you believe a medical error caused your child’s Erb’s palsy, don’t wait to get the answers you deserve. Contact the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson today to arrange your free, no-obligation case review to learn more about the Erb’s palsy compensation claim we can help build for you.