Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who suffers from Erb's Palsy could have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence caused your child's injury to his brachial cord at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will look over the case and determine the estimated value of the case by calculating future medical costs. This will allow you to determine the value of your claim to a possible settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves regulate shoulder, arm, and hand movements and sensation. Patients with Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

The condition can be caused by a number of medical errors made during labor and delivery. These include the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor who uses a vacuum extractor to deliver the baby vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's spalsy are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses and midwives and other medical professionals, are accountable to maintain a high level of medical care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through vaginal canal and do not get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy may be due to contractions of the mother or the positioning of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been proven. Additionally it is crucial to note that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit plaintiffs must show that the doctor's departure from accepted practice was a direct cause of their injury.

If you suspect that your child suffered from an preventable erb's-palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit can be awarded to your family financially compensation to pay for the medical expenses of your child and provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused due to injury to the brachialplexus which is a triad of nerves that run through the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn during a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to diagnose the condition whenever they can.

Problems with childbirth are the most common reason for this. The problem is usually caused by the size of the fetus exceeds than the normal vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders are snared during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the main risks for developing Erb's - Palsy.

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

In order to successfully file a medical malpractice claim it is necessary to prove that the doctor's departure from a standard of practice caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's Palsy, you must prove that the doctor's action or failure to act caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a common claim, and can result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the sooner the condition is detected and treated the better the outcome. If not treated, the condition may cause permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and can lead to 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 brachial plexus injury caused by medical negligence in the birth in the United States. We encourage families to schedule an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely However, a variety of complications can arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety both of the mother and child when these complications occur. Unfortunately certain health professionals do not do this.

In the event of a complicated birth medical professional may need to apply some force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves to be damaged when the neck is accidentally stretched.

Doctors may employ a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of the nerve damage. Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications to ease pain and discomfort, and occupational or physical therapy to aid in restoring movement.

Compensation

The costs of medical treatment for a child with Erb's syndrome can be very high. A successful lawsuit may give a family to have the financial capacity to afford the treatment that they need. An attorney who is knowledgeable in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the amount of compensation the family receives.

If a child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, the condition can impact every aspect of their life. It could hinder their ability to work, it can limit the amount of time they spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be used to pay for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, and also the effect the injury could affect a child's everyday activities. The claims can also be made to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the injury. The compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician was negligent. This will be proven by demonstrating a departure from the established practice and that the deviation directly resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique and it can take a while to win an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid falling behind the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late may be barred by the Statute of Limitations.