Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating effects on families. If you suspect that your child's brachial plexus injury was caused by negligence on the part of medical professionals during the birth process, contact an experienced erb's palsy law firm to arrange a free consultation.

An attorney will look over the case and estimate the value of the case by calculating future medical expenses. This will help you determine the worth of your claim in potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck are damaged. These nerves control shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. Erb's palsy causes weakness, Erb's palsy numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

The condition can be caused by a number of medical mistakes during birth and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section or a doctor using the vacuum extractor to deliver the baby vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's palsy are preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to an obligation to provide a high standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and they don't get stuck or get lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy can be the result of contractions in the mother or the position of pregnant women. However these theories haven't been proved. Additionally it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice case, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's aversion to accepted practices was the primary reason for their injuries.

If you think your child suffered from a preventable erb's palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit could be awarded to your family financially compensation to pay for the medical expenses of your child and give you a sense closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network or nerves that run through the arm and shoulder. These nerves may be stretched or torn by an inconvenient delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing this condition as quickly as they can.

The most common reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. It is usually caused when the fetus's size is greater than what is expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders are stuck during delivery. 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 identify the shoulder dystocia it can lead to injury of the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. If the doctor's negligence caused the condition, he or she can be held accountable for any damage that may be permanent.

You must prove that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviance from accepted medical practice to win a case for medical malpractice. 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 manner which caused injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that could result in a substantial settlement and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, it's best to identify and treat the problem as soon as you can. Untreated, the condition can lead 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.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners look into possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who suffer from brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth across the United States. We encourage families to request an appointment for a free consultation and assessment of their claim.

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications may arise. When these complications occur doctors must act quickly to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, a few health care professionals fail to do this.

A doctor might need to apply a certain amount of force during a difficult birth to assist the baby through the birth canal. When doing this the doctor could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby, which may damage the nerves.

In addition to a physical examination doctors may 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. A doctor may prescribe a variety of medications to alleviate discomfort and pain, and physical or occupational therapy to help restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering with Erb's 'Palsy' can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit could allow families the financial resources to afford the medical treatment they require. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will work to maximize the amount of compensation a family may receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's palsy, the condition can impact every aspect of their life. It can hinder them from working and reduce the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's law claims can be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and the impact that the injury will affect a child's ability to enjoy everyday activities. The compensation will also take into account the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful claim will show that the obstetrician who performed the procedure or the hospital was negligent. This will be proven by demonstrating that there was an infraction to the accepted procedure and that it resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique, and it can take a long time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's Palsy. It is imperative that families consult an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure they don't have to miss the deadline for filing the lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late could be barred under the Statute of Limitations.