Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you think that medical negligence was the cause of your child's brachial injury during birth, call an Erb's palsy law firm for a no-cost consultation.

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

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves control shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. People suffering from Erb's palsy may experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition could be the result of various medical mistakes during labor and birth such as forceps use and a C section that is performed too soon or a doctor making a mistake with a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's Palsy can be avoided. Doctors, nurses and midwives as well as other medical professionals, have a responsibility to ensure a high level of care in the birthing room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and they don't get stuck or entangled within 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 a pregnant woman. These theories haven't yet been proven. Moreover, it is important 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.

A birth injury lawyer can aid you if you believe that your child has suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as the erb's syndrome. A successful lawsuit could grant your family the financial compensation your child needs for medical expenses, and also provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by an injury to the brachial system, a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may become stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. Signs of this disorder include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing the condition as soon as possible.

The difficulties of childbirth are the most frequent reason for this. This is typically the case when the size of the fetus is higher than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and is one of the main risk factors for Erb's palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia it can result in injury to the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. If the doctor's negligence caused the condition the doctor could be held responsible for any permanent harm.

You must prove that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviation from accepted medical practice in order to prevail in the case of medical malpractice. In the event that your child has Erb's Palsy, it is necessary to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner that resulted in injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a common case that can result in a huge award and lifetime care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, earlier the condition is identified and treated the better the outcome. If it is not treated the condition can lead into permanent tightening muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most commonly used treatments.

The experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners investigate possible claims and lawsuits for children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical negligence during birth all over the United States. We urge families to request an assessment of their case and an appointment for a free consultation.

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

A physician may have to apply a certain amount of force during a difficult delivery in order to assist the baby through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged in the event that the neck gets stretched.

In addition to a physical examination doctors may also perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to the extent that a nerve has been damaged. A doctor might prescribe medications to ease pain and discomfort and may also recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering from Erb's Palsy may be very high. A successful lawsuit may allow families to afford the treatment they require. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will work to maximize the amount of compensation that a family will receive.

When a baby has Erb's Palsy, it can affect every aspect of their life. It could prevent the child from working, it may limit the amount time they spend with their parents and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy law claims may be made to cover the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings as well as the impact that the injury will have on a child's ability to enjoy daily activities. Also, claims can be made for pain and suffering resulting from the injury. The amount paid will reflect this.

A successful claim will show that the obstetrician who performed the procedure or the hospital was negligent. This will be shown by proving a deviation from the accepted practice, and that this directly resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique and it could take some time to win a lawsuit for Erb's palsy. Families should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid not meeting the deadline to file an action. A lawsuit filed late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.