Erb's Palsy Law Firm

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

An attorney will analyze the case and calculate the value of the case based on future medical expenses. This will help establish the value of your claim for a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves control arm, shoulder, and hand movements and sensation. Erb's palsy causes weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition can be caused by a variety of medical errors during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section, or a doctor using a vacuum extractor in order to deliver the baby vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's spalsy are completely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to the obligation to maintain the highest standards 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 become lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy may be due to contractions of the mother or the positioning of a pregnant woman. These theories haven't been proved. Additionally, it is important to remember that in order to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practices was the primary cause of their injury.

If you believe your child was suffering from an unavoidable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could award your family financial compensation for your child's medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial nerve which is a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves can get stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing this condition as quickly as they can.

The difficulties of childbirth are the most frequent cause of this problem. It usually happens when the fetus's size is higher than what is expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders are stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the major risks for developing Erb's - Palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it may cause injury to the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. If the doctor's negligence caused the condition then he or she could be held responsible for any lasting damage.

You must establish that your injuries were resulted from the doctor's deviation from the accepted medical practice to win an action for medical malpractice. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must show 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 can result in a substantial amount of money and lifelong care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is detected and treated, the better the outcome. If left untreated, the condition may progress to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Surgery and physical therapy are the most frequently used treatments.

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

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies, a number of complications can arise. If complications arise doctors must act immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, a few health professionals fail to take this step.

In the event of a complicated birth one may need to apply a certain amount of force to help the baby move through the birth canal. While doing this it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the neck of the baby and cause damage to the nerves.

In addition to a physical examination doctors may also conduct various tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to which a nerve is damaged. A doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate discomfort and pain and may also recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers from Erb's Palsy can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit can give families the financial resources to pay for the medical treatment they require. A lawyer with experience in the field of erb's palsy lawyers palsy can maximize the amount of compensation families receive.

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

Erb's law claims can be made to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings as well as the effect that the injury will have on a child's ability to enjoy daily activities. It is also possible to claim for suffering and pain caused by the injury, and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the Obstetrician was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the standard practice and that the deviation directly resulted in the injury of your child. Every case is unique and it can take time to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. It is important that families consult an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure they do not have to miss the deadline for filing the lawsuit. If a lawsuit is filed late, it could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.