Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you think that medical negligence caused your child's brachial injuries at birth, contact an Erb's Palsy law firm to get an initial consultation for free.

An attorney will look over the case and estimate the value of the case based on future medical costs. This will help determine the value of your claim in a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves control shoulder, arm, and hand movements and sensation. Erb's Palsy can cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition is caused by a variety of medical mistakes during birth and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section, or a doctor using an extractor vacuum to deliver an infant vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's spalsy are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have a duty to uphold an excellent standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they do not get stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy could be the result of contractions of the mother or the positioning of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been proven. Additionally it is important to remember that to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can aid you if you suspect that your child has suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as the erb's syndrome. A successful lawsuit may award your family financial compensation for your child's medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy results from injuries to the brachial plexus the nerve system in the shoulder and arm. The nerves can be stretched or Erb's Palsy lawyer torn during a difficult delivery. The symptoms of this condition are weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable to properly diagnose this condition as soon as they can.

The most frequent reason for this is difficulties during childbirth. It usually happens when the fetus is bigger than what is expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It is one of the main risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a physician uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it may cause injury to upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's spalsy is the result. The doctor is accountable for any injury that results from negligence.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice lawsuit you must prove that the doctor's departure from accepted practice caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's palsy, you need to demonstrate that the doctor's actions or inactions caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that can result in a large settlement and lifetime care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of instances, it is better to treat and diagnose the problem whenever possible. If it is not treated the condition can lead to permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most popular treatments.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible claims and lawsuits for children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical negligence during birth throughout 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, a number of complications can occur. A physician must act quickly to ensure the safety both of the child and mother when these complications occur. Unfortunately, some medical professionals fail to do this.

A physician may have to use a certain amount force during a difficult delivery to help the baby through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged if the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also conduct various tests, including X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to the extent that a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may prescribe a variety of medications to ease discomfort and pain and physical or occupational therapy to help restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatment for a child with Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit could give families to have the financial resources to pay for the treatment that they need. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will strive to maximize the amount of compensation a family may receive.

When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it can impact all aspects of their lives. It could prevent their ability to work, it may limit the amount time they spend with their parents and it can also cause emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims could be used to pay for the cost of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effect the injury could have upon a child's daily activities. The amount of compensation will also reflect the pain and suffering the injury has caused.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician who performed the procedure or the hospital was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving that there was a deviation from the accepted procedure, and how this resulted in your child's injury. Every 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 being late in filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.