Yes. Erb’s Palsy can be caused during the birth process if a doctor or nurse negligently applies too much force in attempting to deliver a baby. Any excess stress to the baby’s neck or arm during delivery may result in permanent injuries to the baby’s nerves. This can result in paralysis of the arm, causing it to be limp or dysfunctional. Injuries such as these are classified by severity.

• Avulsion rupture is when the nerves are torn away at the area of the spine.
• A neuroma is when the nerves are torn, but during the healing process, scar tissue has formed. This can result in the disabling of the arm.
• A rupture occurs when the nerves tear at other locations.