Erb's Palsy Law Firm

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

An attorney will look over your case and estimate future medical costs to determine your estimated case value. This will assist in determining your claim value for a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate shoulder, arm hand, and hand movements as well as sensation. Patients suffering from the condition experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

The condition can be caused by a number of medical mistakes made during the labor and delivery. These include the use of forceps, a premature C-section or a doctor who uses the vacuum extractor to deliver an infant vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's palsy are entirely preventable. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are held to an obligation to provide the highest standards of care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and they do not become stuck or become lodged in the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be the result of maternal contractions or the positioning of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been confirmed. Moreover it is crucial to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case plaintiffs must show that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can assist you if you believe that your child suffered a preventable injury such as erb's palsy attorney paralysis. A successful lawsuit could award your family financial compensation for your child's medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy can be caused by damage to the brachialplexus, which is a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves can get stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to identify the cause as soon as possible.

The most common cause is difficulties in childbirth. It is usually caused when the fetus's size is greater than was expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia. It is one of the main risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.

If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails in recognizing shoulder dystocia, it could result in damage to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. This can cause Erb's palsy. The doctor could be held accountable for any injury that is caused by negligence.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice case you must show that the doctor's deviance from a standard of practice caused your injuries. In the case where your child suffers from Erb's palsy, it is necessary to prove that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way which caused injury to the Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim, which can result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of care for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the sooner the condition is recognized and treated the better the result. If left untreated, the condition could cause permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and may lead to complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy, and occasionally surgery.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, an experienced Erb's Palsy law firm, studies possible claims and lawsuits on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with a brachial injury by medical negligence in the birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek a free consultation and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however, complications can arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety of the child and mother when these issues occur. Unfortunately some health professionals fail to do so.

In a difficult delivery, a physician may need to apply a certain amount of force to help the baby move through the birth canal. When doing this it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the baby's neck which could cause damage to the nerves.

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

Compensation

The costs of medical treatment for a child suffering from erb's palsy lawsuits Palsy can be incredibly high. A successful lawsuit may allow a family to afford the care they require. An experienced lawyer from Erb's Palsy will work to maximize the amount of compensation that a family will receive.

When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it can impact all aspects of their lives. It can stop their ability to work and restrict the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's law claims can be made to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings and the impact that the injury could have on a child's ability to enjoy everyday activities. Claims can also be made for suffering and pain caused by the injury. The amount paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician or hospital was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving a departure from accepted practice and that the deviation resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is different and it may take a long time to win an Erb's-Palsy lawsuit. It is imperative that families speak with an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure they don't run out of time to file the lawsuit. A lawsuit filed after the deadline could be barred under the Statute of Limitations.