Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who suffers from Erb's Palsy could have devastating consequences for families. If you believe your child's injury to the brachial nerve was the result of medical negligence during the birth process, call an experienced lawyer from the firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will review your case and determine the future medical expenses to determine the estimated value of your case. This will allow you determine the value of your claim to the possibility of settling.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck are damaged. These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movements as well as sensation. Patients suffering from Erb's palsy may experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

The condition can be caused by a variety of medical mistakes made during labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section or a doctor who uses a vacuum extractor in order to deliver an infant vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's palsy can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have the responsibility of maintaining the highest standards of medical care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they don't get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Researchers have suggested that the condition could be caused by contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. However these theories haven't been proven. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs must to prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practices caused their injuries.

If you believe your child suffered from an avoidable erb's-palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek 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 damage to the brachialplexus, which is a network or nerves that run through the shoulder and arm. These nerves may become stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to correctly diagnose this condition immediately.

The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. It usually occurs when the fetus is bigger than what is expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and is a major risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to detect shoulder dystocia, it can result in damage to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. If the doctor's negligence is the cause and acted in a negligent manner, they could be held responsible for any permanent harm.

You must prove that your injuries are resulted from the doctor's deviation from accepted medical practice in order to win the case of medical malpractice. For cases involving Erb's paralysis, you have to prove that the doctor's actions or inaction led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a common claim that could result in a large amount of money and lifelong care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, the earlier the condition is identified and treated the better the outcome. If left untreated, the condition could cause permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and even total or partial paralysis. The most popular form of treatment is physical therapy, and occasionally surgery.

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

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies, a number of complications may arise. If these complications arise doctors must take action promptly to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, some medical professionals fail to do this.

When a birth is complicated one may need to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. When doing this, he or she could accidentally stretch the baby's neck and cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors may employ a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to physical examination to determine the extent of the injury and the extent of nerve damage. A doctor can prescribe medication to ease discomfort and pain as well as physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatments for children suffering from Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit can allow families to pay for the treatment they need. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will strive to maximize the amount of compensation a family may receive.

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

Erb's palsy law claims can be made for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, and the impact that the injury could have on a child's ability to engage in daily activities. The claims can also be made to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will show that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This will be proven by proving an error in the standard of care and that the deviation resulted in the injury to your child. Each case is unique and it can take a long time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's palsy. Families should seek out an attorney as soon as they can to avoid missing the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit filed too late could be barred from time by the Statute of Limitations.