Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you believe that medical negligence was the cause of your child's injury to his brachial cord during birth, contact a erb's Palsy law firm for a no-cost consultation.

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

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movements as well as sensation. Erb's Palsy is a condition that causes weakness, numbness or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition could result from various medical mistakes during labor and delivery such as forceps use or a C-section that was performed too early or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have the obligation to maintain the highest standards of care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they do not become stuck or lodged into the pelvic bones of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be a result of contractions of the mother or the positioning of a pregnant woman. These theories haven't been confirmed. Furthermore, it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice case, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you suspect that your child suffered from a preventable erb's-palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could grant your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical expenses, and also provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial nerve, a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn during a difficult delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for properly diagnosing the condition as fast as is feasible.

The difficulties of childbirth are the most frequent reason for this. It typically occurs when the fetus's size is greater than was expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders are stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and is one of the main risk factors for Erb's palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it could cause injury to upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. If the doctor was negligent then he or she could be held accountable for any permanent damage.

You must demonstrate that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviance from accepted medical practice in order to prevail in an action for medical malpractice. If your child suffers from Erb's Palsy the next step is to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner that caused injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a frequent claim, and can result in a large settlement and a lifetime of medical treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, the earlier the condition is identified and treated the better the outcome. If it is not treated the condition can progress to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Physical therapy and, sometimes, surgery are the most popular treatments.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, an experienced Erb's Palsy law firm, studies possible claims and lawsuits on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with brachial plexus injury caused by medical negligence in the birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek an assessment of their claim and an initial consultation for free.

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications may arise. If these complications arise the physician must act promptly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, many health professionals fail to do this.

A physician may have to use a certain amount force during a difficult birth to aid the baby in the birth canal. In doing so, he or she could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby which could cause damage to the nerves.

In addition to a physical exam doctors can also conduct various tests, including X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and Erb's Palsy law firm the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate pain and discomfort and also physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering from Erb's Palsy may be very high. A successful lawsuit may allow a family to afford the treatment they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will do their best to maximize the amount of compensation that a family will receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, it can affect all aspects of their lives. It can prevent them from working, it could limit the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can also cause emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy Law claims may be filed to cover costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and also the impact that the injury can affect a child's everyday activities. Also, claims can be made to compensate for the suffering and pain caused by the injury. The compensation paid will reflect this.

A successful case will prove that the obstetrician or hospital was negligent. This will be demonstrated by proving an infraction to the accepted procedure and that the deviation caused injury to your child. Every case is unique and it may take some time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's Palsy. It is important that families speak with an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure they don't miss the deadline to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.