Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child diagnosed with Erb's 'Palsy' can cause devastating problems for families. If you suspect that medical negligence was the cause of the brachial injury of your child at birth, you should contact an Erb's Palsy law firm to get free consultation.

An attorney will review your case and determine future medical expenses to calculate your estimated value for your case. This will help to establish the value of your claim in an eventual settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves control arm, shoulder and hand movements and sensation. Patients suffering from Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

This condition may result from the occurrence of a myriad of medical errors during labor and erb's Palsy law firm birth for example, forceps usage as well as a C-section done too soon or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have the obligation to maintain a high standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they don't become stuck or lodged in the pelvic bone of a mother's.

Researchers have suggested that the condition may be caused by contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant women. These theories have not yet been proven. Furthermore it is important to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case plaintiffs must show that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct cause of their injury.

If you suspect that your child suffered from an preventable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth trauma lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit could grant your family the financial compensation your child needs for medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy can be caused by damage to the brachialplexus, which is a triad of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves may become stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are required to identify the cause whenever they can.

The most frequent cause is difficulties in childbirth. This is typically the case when the size of the fetus exceeds than expected for vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby become stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It is one of the major risks for developing Erb's - Palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it could cause injuries to the nerves of the upper part of the brachialplexus. Erb's Palsy results. The doctor is accountable for any harm that is caused by negligence.

In order to successfully file a medical malpractice claim you must prove that the doctor's departure from accepted practice caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must prove that the doctor's actions or failure to act caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a common claim that could result in a substantial award and life-time treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, it's best to identify and treat the condition as soon as possible. If the condition is not treated the condition can progress to permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy and sometimes surgery.

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 assessment of their claim and a free consultation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies, a number of complications could arise. When these complications occur doctors must take action immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, many health professionals fail to do this.

During a complicated delivery one may need to apply some 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 and cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors can use a variety of tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to physical examination to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of the nerve damage. A doctor may also prescribe various medications to help ease discomfort and pain and occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering from Erb's Palsy can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit may give a family the financial means to pay for the care they require. A lawyer with experience in the field of Erb's Psy will maximize the amount of compensation a family receives.

If a child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, the condition can affect all aspects of their lives. It could prevent them from working, and it can restrict the amount of time they can spend with their parents and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims could be filed to cover the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, as well as the effects the injury will have upon a child's daily activities. Claims can also be made for the pain and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will show that the obstetrician, or the hospital was negligent. This will be proven by demonstrating that there was deviation from the norm and that this resulted in the injury of your child. Every case is unique, and it can take a while to win an Erb's-Palsy lawsuit. It is imperative to contact an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure that they do not have to miss the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit filed late could be barred under the Statute of Limitations.