Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from erb's syndrome can have devastating effects on families. If you think that medical negligence is the reason for your child's injury to his brachial cord at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate the case and calculate the estimated case value by determining future medical expenses. This will help you determine the worth of your claim in a possible settlement.

Causes

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

This condition could result from an array of medical errors during labor and delivery, including forceps use as well as a C-section done too early or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. However, the majority of cases of erb's spalsy are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to the obligation to maintain an excellent standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they do not become stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy can be the result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. These theories haven't yet been confirmed. To prevail in a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to show that the doctor's deviation from accepted practices caused their injury.

If you suspect your child suffered from an avoidable erb's palsy lawsuit-palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could be awarded to your family financially compensation to pay for the medical expenses of your child as well as give you a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy can be caused by damage to the brachialplexus which is a system of nerves that run through the arm and shoulder. These nerves can be stretched or torn due to the difficulty of delivering. This can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to identify the cause as soon as they can.

The most frequent cause is difficulties in childbirth. This problem usually occurs when the size of a fetus is greater than the normal vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby become stuck during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the most significant risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or fails to recognize the shoulder dystocia, it could result in injury to the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's spalsy is the result. The doctor is accountable for any harm caused by negligence.

You must prove that your injuries are caused by the doctor's departure from the accepted medical practices to be able to win an action for medical negligence. For cases involving Erb's Palsy, you must demonstrate that the doctor's actions or failure to act led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a fairly common claim that could result in a substantial settlement and lifetime care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, the sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated the better the result. If not treated, the condition may develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) or even total or partial paralysis. Physical therapy and sometimes surgery are the most common treatments.

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

Despite the fact that nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals have been trained to deliver babies in a safe manner complications can happen. If these complications arise doctors must take action immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately many health professionals do not do this.

In a difficult delivery one may need to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. While doing this, he or she could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby, Erb's palsy law firm which may damage the nerves.

Doctors may utilize a variety tests, including Xrays and ultrasounds, in addition to physical examination to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of the nerve damage. A doctor may prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain and may also recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers from Erb's Palsy may be very high. A successful lawsuit may allow families to pay for the treatment they need. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it can impact every aspect of their lives. It can 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 costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effect the injury could affect a child's daily activities. The compensation will also take into account the pain and suffering that the injury has caused.

A successful case will prove that the obstetrician or hospital was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving that there was a deviation from the standard practice and that the deviation directly resulted in your child's injury. Each case is different and it could take some time to settle a case for Erb's Palsy. It is important to contact an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure that they do not miss the deadline to file an action. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.