Erb's Palsy Law Firm

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

An attorney will evaluate your case and estimate future medical costs to determine the estimated value of your case. This will allow you determine the worth of your claim for a possible settlement.

Causes

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

This condition may result from various medical mistakes during labor and birth that include forceps and a C section that is performed too early or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during a vaginal birth. However, a majority instances of erb's paralysis are entirely preventable. Midwives, doctors, nurses and doctors as well as other medical professionals, have a duty to ensure a high level of medical care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered through the vaginal channel and do not become stuck or lodged into the pelvic bones of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy may be due to contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. These theories haven't been proven. To win a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to show that the doctor's omission from accepted practices caused their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can help in the event that you believe your child has suffered an injury that could be prevented such as erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could award your family with financial compensation to pay for the medical expenses of your child as well as provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or torn due to a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are accountable to properly diagnose this condition as soon as possible.

Childbirth difficulties are the most frequent cause of this problem. The problem is usually caused by the size of a fetus is greater than expected for vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby are snared during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the major risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor puts too much pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it may cause injuries to the nerves of the upper part of the brachialplexus. Erb's palsy can result. The doctor can be held accountable for any harm caused by negligence.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the doctor's departure from the accepted practices caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's paralysis, you have to show that the doctor's actions or inactions resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a common case that could result in a substantial amount of money and lifelong 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 lead to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used method of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

The seasoned Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims for children diagnosed with brachial plexus injuries caused by medical negligence during birth across the United States. We encourage families to seek an evaluation of their claim as well as an initial consultation for free.

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

In a difficult delivery, a physician may need to apply some force to help the baby move through the birth canal. In doing so it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the neck of the baby, which may damage the nerves.

In addition to a physical examination doctors can also conduct various tests, including X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to the extent that a nerve has been damaged. A doctor might prescribe medications to ease pain and discomfort 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 extremely expensive. A successful lawsuit may give a family the financial means to afford the care they require. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family could receive.

When a child is diagnosed with Erb's systy, it can affect every aspect of their life. It could hinder the child from working, it can limit the amount of time they spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be made to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings as well as the effect that the injury will affect a child's ability to enjoy daily activities. The compensation will also reflect the suffering and Erb's Palsy lawyers pain the injury has caused.

A successful case will show that the obstetrician was negligent. This will be shown by demonstrating a departure from the standard practice and resulting in your child's injury. Each case is different and it can take time to win an Erb's-Palsy lawsuit. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid falling behind the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.