Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you believe that medical negligence led to your child's brachial injuries at birth, you should contact an Erb's Palsy law firm to get a free consultation.

An attorney will look over the case and determine the estimated value of the case based on future medical costs. This will help establish the value of your claim for the possibility of settling.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movements as well as sensation. Patients with the condition experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition could result from an array of medical errors during labor and delivery for example, forceps usage, a C-section performed too quickly, or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's psy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to an obligation to provide the highest standards of medical care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they do not get stuck or become lodged in the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Researchers have suggested that the condition may be caused by contractions in the mother or the position of pregnant women. These theories haven't been confirmed. To win a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to prove that the doctor's deviation from the accepted standard of care caused their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can aid you if you believe that your child has suffered from a preventable injury such as Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could be awarded to your family financially compensation to cover your child's medical expenses and give you a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by injuries to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the arm and shoulder. These nerves may become stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to identify the cause immediately.

The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. It usually occurs when the fetus's size is greater than expected for vaginal birth, or Erb's Palsy Law Firm when the baby's shoulders get stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia. It is one of the major risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails to detect shoulder dystocia, it can cause injuries to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. Erb's spalsy is the result. If the doctor's negligence was to blame the doctor could be held accountable for any lasting damage.

You must establish that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviation from accepted medical practice in order to win an action for medical negligence. In the case where your child suffers from Erb's Palsy and you want to prove that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that resulted in injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a fairly common claim, which can result in a large settlement and lifetime care for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, it is better to recognize and treat the problem whenever possible. If left untreated, the condition could progress to permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and may lead to partial or complete paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most common treatments.

The experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth all over the United States. We urge families to request an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications could arise. If complications arise the physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately many health professionals fail to do the right thing.

During a complicated delivery medical professional may need to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. This can cause the baby's nerves be damaged when the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays or ultrasounds to determine the extent of an injury and the extent to which a nerve is damaged. A doctor might prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain and also physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for a child with Erb's palsy can be extremely expensive. A successful lawsuit can allow a family to afford the medical treatment they require. A lawyer with experience in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that the family receives.

When a baby has Erb's'Palsy', the condition can affect every aspect of their life. It could hinder them from working, it can restrict the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be made for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, and the effects that injuries have on a child's ability to enjoy daily activities. The amount of compensation will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving that there was a departure from accepted practice and that this resulted in the injury to your child. Every case is unique and it may take some time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's palsy. It is crucial to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later to ensure they don't be late in filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.