Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy could have devastating consequences for families. If you believe your child's brachial-plexus injury was caused by medical negligence during the birth process, contact an experienced lawyer from the firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and estimate future medical costs to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will assist in determining your claim value for a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves regulate shoulder, arm, and hand movements and sensation. Patients suffering from erb's palsy experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

The condition can be caused by an array of medical errors during labor and birth such as forceps use and a C section that is performed too quickly, or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during a vaginal birth. However, the majority of cases of erb's palsy are completely preventable. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have the responsibility of maintaining an excellent standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal artery and they do not become stuck or lodged in the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Researchers have suggested that the condition could be caused by maternal contractions or the position of pregnant woman. However these theories haven't been proved. Furthermore it is important to remember that to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit plaintiffs must prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you suspect your child suffered from an preventable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit may award your family the financial compensation your child needs for medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injury to the brachialplexus which is a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. The nerves could be stretched or torn due to a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing the condition as soon as is feasible.

The most common cause is difficulties in childbirth. It usually occurs when the fetus is larger than what is expected for vaginal birth, Erb's palsy lawyer or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia and it is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a physician applies excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it could cause injuries to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. The doctor could be held liable for any damage that results from negligence.

To successfully file a medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the doctor's deviance from the accepted practices caused your injuries. If your child suffers from Erb's Palsy it is essential to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner that resulted in injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim, which can result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of care for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, it's best to treat and diagnose the problem immediately. If it is not treated the condition can lead to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used method of treatment is physical therapy and sometimes surgery.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners examine possible lawsuits and claims for children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth all over the United States. We urge families to request an initial consultation and assessment of their claim.

Despite the fact that nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have been trained to deliver babies in a safe way complications can arise. If these complications arise, a physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately some medical professionals fail to do this.

In a difficult delivery, a physician may need to apply some force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. While doing this the doctor could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby which could cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors may utilize a variety tests, including Xrays and ultrasounds, as well as a physical examination to determine the extent of the injury and Erb's palsy lawyer the extent of nerve damage. Doctors can prescribe various medicines to ease pain and discomfort, and occupational or physical therapy to help restore mobility.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for children with Erb's syndrome can be very expensive. A successful lawsuit can give a family to have the financial capacity to afford the care they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will do their best to maximize the amount of compensation a family could receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, the condition can impact all aspects of their lives. It can hinder them from working and reduce the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be claimed for the expense of treatment, the loss of earnings, and the impact that the injury could affect a child's capacity to engage in daily activities. The compensation will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful claim will prove that the obstetrician or the hospital was negligent. This can be proved by demonstrating that there was an error in the standard of care and that the deviation resulted in the injury to your child. Each case is unique and it may take a long time to win an Erb's Palsy lawsuit. It is essential that families speak with an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure they do not run out of time to file a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is filed late, it may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.