Erb's Palsy Lawyers

A knowledgeable attorney can simplify the legal process. Erb's Palsy lawyers are capable of helping clients receive financial compensation for future medical needs.

Parents should have peace of mind knowing that their children will be properly cared for, even if they suffer from a life-changing injury. This can be difficult to attain when medical malpractice is involved.

Birth Injury Prevention

There are birth injuries that are due to circumstances beyond the physician's control, such as the size and position of a pelvis or birth canal, most of them are avoidable. Doctors must accurately estimate the weight and size of a fetus, and recommend a C section if they feel that the baby is too large to be delivered vaginally. This helps prevent injury to both the mother and fetus and can also reduce the need for medically-needed interventions.

If a physician fails to adhere to this obligation and fails to follow the rules, it can result in injuries such as Erb's palsy or brachial plexus injuries. These injuries result from nerve damage in the arm or shoulder during the birth. These injuries can result in limitations or weakness in the affected area of the body for the duration of the life of the child. Treatments for these conditions can be very expensive.

Families who suffer from these injuries need financial compensation to pay for the expenses. A lawyer from the Erb's Palsy Association can fight to ensure a family receives as much compensation as is possible. This can help reduce their financial burden and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment for their children. A good erb's palsy lawyer will be upfront about whether your case is solid and will do their best on your behalf.

Erb's Palsy Causes

Erb's palsy occurs when the upper grouping of nerves in your arm, known as the brachialplexus, gets damaged. These nerves are responsible for transmitting messages to the muscles that allow them to move. If the nerves are damaged, they will not be able to send signals in a proper manner and the arm can't move properly or at all. In many instances, the injury heals over time, but some infants may suffer permanent disabilities.

Many cases of erb's palsy occur when the baby's shoulder is stuck behind the pubic bone of the mother at birth, a condition known as shoulder dystocia. The medical experts who deliver the baby must exert pressure to release the shoulder, which may stretch or tear healthy nerves of the brachialplexus.

These injured nerves can become avulsed, meaning that they completely separate from the spinal cord. This is known as neuroma, which means that the scar tissue puts pressure on the nerve and stops it from conducting signals, or neuropraxia, which is when the nerves are stretched but not torn. The longer a damaged nerve persists and the longer it takes to recover.

Preventing a shoulder dystocia in labor requires communication between mother-to-be and the obstetrician about the safest position for delivery and how to react to any issues that arise during the birth. Unfortunately, many cases of Erb's psy result from medical negligence on the part nurses and doctors who apply too much force in the birthing process.

Erb's Palsy Treatment

Physical therapy for babies suffering from Erb's palsy will concentrate on enhancing the range of motion in their fingers and arms. Physical therapy is often coupled with other treatments like hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is beneficial as it permits a baby to exercise in an anti-gravity mode which eases the pain caused by muscle spasms.

Other treatments include medicines which reduce swelling and pain. A doctor may also splice, or graft, healthy nerves from elsewhere in the body to replace damaged ones. This can improve the feeling, flexibility and support to the arm.

A ruptured brachial-plexus may be required to treat Erb's Palsy in newborns. A ruptured nerve is the most serious kind of Erb's syndrome, resulting from one or more nerves being torn from their spine. Doctors may opt for surgery to reconnect the injured nerves and allow them to heal. This procedure is typically successful and allows the majority of children to regain full range of movement in their arms. Some patients may experience permanent impairment due to the injury.

Erb's Palsy Settlements

Certain children suffering from Erb's palsy will be able to overcome the limitations caused by the condition through daily physical therapy. Some will need surgery to repair the nerve damage. Fortunately, the medical malpractice lawsuit process can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for injuries to their child.

Your lawyer will consult with experts in order to estimate the likely cost of treatment. This is referred to as the value of the case. The value of your case will depend on how serious the injury is and the impact it will have on your child's future. Your attorney will seek to recover life-care costs, future medical expenses and other damages.

Your lawyer will send a demand notice to the doctor or hospital responsible for the injuries your child sustained. The letter will outline the injuries suffered by your child and explain how they are the result of medical negligence. The letter will also include the amount of compensation you are seeking.

The doctor at fault will have the option to negotiate an agreement. This is a much less costly alternative to a trial. If your attorney makes an excellent case and the medical professional responsible may opt to make a deal outside of court in order to avoid the negative publicity that comes with an appeal. After a settlement has been reached the money are put into an account in a trust, and used to cover your child's medical care and other expenses.