Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who has erb's paralysis can have devastating effects on families. If you think 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 an initial consultation for free.

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

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movement as well as sensation. Erb's Palsy can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition can be caused by a variety of medical mistakes made during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor using the vacuum extractor to deliver an infant vaginally. However, the majority instances of erb's paralysis are preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to the responsibility of maintaining the highest standards of medical care in the delivery room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they don't get stuck or get lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's Palsy may be caused by contractions of the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been proven. Furthermore it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice case plaintiffs must show that the doctor's aversion to accepted practices was the primary reason for their injuries.

If you suspect your child suffered from a preventable erb's-palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit can provide your family with financial compensation to pay for the medical costs of your child and provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network or nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can get stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing this condition as quickly as possible.

The most common reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. It is usually caused when the fetus's size is higher than was expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia and is one of the most significant risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia, it can cause injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. If the doctor's negligence is the cause then he or she could be held responsible for any lasting damage.

In order to successfully file a medical malpractice claim you must prove that the doctor's deviation from the accepted practice led to your injuries. In the case of Erb's paralysis, you have to prove that the doctor's action or Erb's Palsy Law Firm inaction led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a typical claim that could result in a significant settlement and life-long treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the sooner the condition is detected and treated the better the result. If the condition is not treated, it can develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) or even total or partial paralysis. Physical therapy and, sometimes, surgery are the most frequently used treatments.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb's Palsy law firm, studies possible claims and lawsuits on behalf of children diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury triggered by medical negligence at birth in the United States. We urge families to request an initial consultation and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely However, a variety of complications can arise. Physicians must be quick to ensure the safety both of mother and child in the event of complications. Unfortunately some health professionals are not doing this.

In a difficult delivery, a physician may need to apply some force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged when the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical exam doctors can also conduct a variety of tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to which a nerve is damaged. Doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate pain and discomfort and also physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatments for children suffering from Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit can give families the financial resources to afford the treatment that they need. An experienced 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 impact every aspect of their life. 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 palsy Law claims may be used to pay for the expenses of treatment, loss of earnings, and also the effects the injury will affect a child's daily activities. The amount of compensation will also reflect the pain and suffering that the injury has caused.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This will be demonstrated by proving a departure from accepted practice and that this proximately caused injury to your child. Each case is different and it may take some time to settle a lawsuit for Erb's Palsy. It is crucial that families consult an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure that they do not have to miss the deadline for filing the lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.