Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you believe that your child's injury to the brachial nerve was the result of negligence on the part of medical professionals during the birth process, contact an experienced erb's-palsy law firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and calculate future medical expenses to determine the estimated value of your case. This will help determine your claim value for the possibility of settling.

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movements and sensation. Erb's Palsy causes weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the arm and shoulder.

This condition is caused by a variety of medical errors made during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or the use of a vacuum extractor in order to deliver the baby vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's palsy are preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have a duty to uphold a high standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they do not become stuck or lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy may be due to contractions of the mother or the positioning of a pregnant woman. However, these theories have not been proved. To prevail in a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to show that the doctor's deviation from accepted practices caused their injuries.

If you suspect that your child suffered from an preventable Erb's Palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit could grant your family financial compensation for your child's medical expenses and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can be stretched or damaged by a difficult delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to correctly diagnose this condition as soon as possible.

The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. The problem is usually caused by the size of the fetus is higher than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders are snared during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and is a major risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it may result in injuries to the nerves of the upper part of the brachialplexus. Erb's palsy can result. If the doctor's negligence was to blame and acted in a negligent manner, they could be held accountable for any lasting damage.

You must demonstrate that your injuries were caused by the doctor's departure from the accepted medical practice in order to win a case for medical malpractice. If your child suffers from Erb's palsy and you want to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that caused injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a common claim that can result in a large settlement and a lifetime of treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is recognized and treated the better the outcome. If it is not treated the condition could lead into permanent tightening muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most popular treatments.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners investigate possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth throughout the United States. We encourage families to request an appointment for a free consultation and assessment of their claim.

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

A doctor might have to apply a certain amount force during a difficult birth to aid the baby in the birth canal. While doing this the doctor could accidentally stretch the baby's neck, which may damage the nerves.

Doctors may utilize a variety tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examinations to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of nerve damage. Doctors may prescribe various medications to help ease pain and discomfort, as well as occupational or physical therapy to help restore mobility.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for children with Erb's palsy is often high. A successful lawsuit could allow a family to have the financial capacity to pay for the medical treatment they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will work to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's palsy, the condition can affect every aspect of their lives. It could hinder the ability to work and cut down on the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's Law claims can be filed to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings, Erb's palsy lawyer and Erb's Palsy Lawyer also the effects the injury will affect a child's everyday activities. The settlement will also reflect the pain and suffering that the injury has caused.

A successful case will prove that the obstetrician who performed the procedure or the hospital was negligent. This will be proven by proving a deviation from the accepted practice, and how this resulted in your child's injury. Each case is unique and it can take a long time to win a lawsuit for Erb's Palsy. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid not meeting the deadline to file an action. A lawsuit filed late may be barred by the Statute of Limitations.