Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child diagnosed with Erb's 'Palsy' can have devastating effects for families. If you suspect that medical negligence led to your child's brachial injury during birth, call an Erb's Palsy law firm to get free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate the case and estimate the value of the case by calculating the future medical expenses. This will allow you determine the value of your claim in a possible settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. People suffering from erb's palsy experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition may result from the occurrence of a myriad of medical errors during labor and birth, including forceps use and a C section that is performed too early or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be avoided. Doctors, nurses and midwives as well as other medical professionals, have a duty to maintain a high level of care in the birthing area. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and they do not become stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's palsy could be caused by contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant women. However, these theories have not been proven. Additionally, it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit the plaintiffs must prove that the doctor's departure from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you think your child suffered from an avoidable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth trauma lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit could award your family financial compensation for your child's medical expenses and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a triad of nerves in the shoulder and arm. The nerves can be stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing this condition as quickly as is possible.

Childbirth difficulties are the most frequent reason for this. This problem usually occurs when the size of the fetus is higher than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It's an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor makes use of excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it can lead to injury of the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. This causes Erb's palsy. If the doctor's negligence was to blame the doctor could be held accountable for any permanent damage.

In order to successfully file a medical malpractice case you must prove that the doctor's departure from the accepted practices caused your injuries. In the case where your child suffers from Erb's Palsy it is essential to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that resulted in injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that can result in a significant settlement and life-long care for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the earlier the condition is identified and treated the better the result. If the condition is not treated the condition can progress to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or Erb's Palsy law firm full paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes, surgery.

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 malpractice during birth across the United States. We encourage families to schedule an appointment for a free consultation and assessment of their claim.

Despite the fact that nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe and secure manner complications can arise. The physician must take action quickly to ensure the safety both of the baby and mother when these issues occur. Unfortunately some health professionals fail to do so.

During a complicated delivery, a physician may need to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. In doing so it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the baby's neck, which may damage the nerves.

Doctors may employ a variety of tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examination to determine the severity of the injury and Erb's palsy law firm the extent of the nerve damage. Doctors may also prescribe various medications to alleviate discomfort and pain and occupational or physical therapy to aid in restoring movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering from the condition Erb's palsy can be very high. A successful lawsuit could allow families the financial resources to afford the medical treatment they require. A lawyer who is experienced in the field of Erb's Psy will maximize the compensation that families receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, it can impact every aspect of their life. It can prevent them from working, and it may limit the amount time they spend with their parents and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy law claims may be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and the impact that the injury could affect a child's ability to enjoy daily activities. The claims can also be made to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect this.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the Obstetrician was negligent. This is demonstrated by demonstrating a departure from the accepted practice, and how this resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique and it can take a while to win an Erb's Palsy lawsuit. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid not meeting the deadline to file an action. A lawsuit filed too late may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.