Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child diagnosed with Erb's 'Palsy' could have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence was the cause of your child's brachial injuries during birth, contact a Erb's palsy law firm for free consultation.

An attorney will review your case and calculate future medical costs to determine your estimated value for your case. This will allow you determine the value of your claim for a possible settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate shoulder, arm hand, and hand movements as well as sensation. Patients suffering from erb's palsy experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition is caused by a variety of medical mistakes made during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor using the vacuum extractor to deliver an infant vaginally. The majority of cases of Erb's psy can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, and nurses along with other medical professionals, have a duty to ensure a high level of care in the birthing area. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal artery and they don't become stuck or entangled in the mother's pelvic bone.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's palsy could be caused by contractions of the mother or the position of a pregnant women. However these theories have not been proven. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice caused their injuries.

If you suspect that your child suffered from a preventable Erb's Palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit can provide your family with financial compensation to pay for your child's medical expenses and give you a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network of nerves that run through the shoulder and arm. These nerves can be stretched or damaged by an uneasy delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to properly diagnose this condition whenever they can.

The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. It usually occurs when the fetus is larger than the normal size for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia and is one of the major risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails to recognize shoulder dystocia, it can cause injuries to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. The doctor could be held accountable for any injury that is caused by negligence.

You must establish that your injuries were caused by the doctor's departure from the accepted medical practices in order to win an action for medical malpractice. In the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy the next step is to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that caused injury to the Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that could result in a significant award and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, it's best to diagnose and treat the problem immediately. If not treated, the condition may cause permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Physical therapy and, sometimes, surgery are the most frequently used treatments.

The Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who suffer from brachial plexus injuries that result from medical malpractice at birth across the United States. We encourage families to ask for an assessment of their claim and a free consultation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies However, a variety of complications could arise. Physicians must be quick to ensure the safety both of the child and mother in the event of complications. Unfortunately, a few medical professionals fail to do this.

In a difficult delivery medical professional may need to apply some force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. While doing this they could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby and damage the nerves.

In addition to a physical exam, doctors may also conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate pain and discomfort as well as physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for children suffering from Erb's Palsy can be incredibly high. A successful lawsuit could allow families to pay for the treatment they require. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

When a child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it can impact all aspects of their life. It can prevent their ability to work and restrict the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's palsy law claims may be made for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings as well as the impact that the injury could have on a child's ability to enjoy everyday activities. The settlement will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This will be demonstrated by proving that there was an infraction to the accepted procedure and that this resulted in the injury to your child. Each case is unique, and it could take a while to settle a case for Erb's palsy. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid not meeting the deadline to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late could be barred under the Statute of Limitations.