Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with Erb's Palsy can have devastating effects for families. If you think that your child's injury to the brachial nerve was the result of negligence on the part of medical professionals during the birth process, get in touch with an experienced erb's-palsy law firm to schedule a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate the case and determine the estimated value of the case based on future medical costs. This will help to establish the value of your claim in any settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movement and sensation. Erb's Palsy can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis of the arm and shoulder.

This condition could result from various medical mistakes during labor and birth, including forceps use, a C-section performed too soon or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during a vaginal birth. However, a majority instances of erb's paralysis are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to the responsibility of maintaining a high standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they do not get stuck or become 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. These theories have not yet been proven. In addition it is crucial to remember that to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit the plaintiffs must prove that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you suspect that your child suffered from an preventable erb's-palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit could grant your family the financial compensation your child needs for medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a triad of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves can get stretched or torn during a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing this condition as quickly as they can.

Childbirth difficulties are the most common cause of this problem. The most common cause is when a fetus's size is greater than the normal vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby get stuck during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia, and it is among the major risk factors for Erb's Palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails in recognizing the shoulder dystocia, it may lead to injury of the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. The doctor is accountable for any injury that results from negligence.

To successfully file a medical malpractice claim it is necessary to prove that the doctor's departure from the accepted practice led to your injuries. For cases involving erb's palsy attorneys palsy, you need to prove that the doctor's actions or inaction resulted in your child suffering an injury to the brachial plexus's upper nerves. This is a typical claim that can result in a huge award and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most instances, it is best to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible. If left untreated the condition can lead to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and physical therapy are the most frequently used treatments.

The experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who have brachial plexus injuries caused by medical negligence during birth throughout the United States. We encourage families to request an evaluation of their claim and a no-cost consultation.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals have been trained to deliver babies in a safe way, complications can occur. When these complications occur the physician must act quickly to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, some health professionals fail to take this step.

During a complicated delivery one may need to apply a certain amount of force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged when the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical examination, doctors may also conduct various tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to the extent a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may prescribe medications to ease pain and discomfort and may also recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers from the condition Erb's palsy can be extremely expensive. A successful lawsuit could give families to have the financial resources to pay for the care they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will work to maximize the amount of compensation that a family will receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, the condition can impact all aspects of their lives. It can stop them from working and reduce the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's palsy Law claims may be filed to cover the costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effects the injury will have upon a child's daily activities. Also, claims can be made for the discomfort and suffering caused by the injury, and the compensation paid will reflect this.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the doctor was negligent. This will be proven by proving that there was a deviation from the established practice and that this directly resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique and it can take time to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should contact an attorney as soon as they can to avoid being late in filing an action. A lawsuit filed after the deadline could be barred under the Statute of Limitations.