Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that the brachial plexus injury of your child was caused by negligence by a medical professional during the birth process, you should contact an experienced erb's-palsy law firm to schedule a free consultation.

An attorney will analyze the case and determine the estimated value of the case by calculating the future medical expenses. This will allow you determine the worth of your claim to an eventual settlement.

Causes

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movements and sensation. Individuals who suffer from erb's palsy experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

This condition could be the result of an array of medical errors during labor and birth that include forceps, a C-section performed too early, or a physician not using a vacuum extractor properly during vaginal birth. However, a majority of cases of erb's spalsy are preventable. Midwives, nurses, and doctors, as well as other medical professionals, have a responsibility to ensure a high standard of care in the room where babies are born. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal channel and do not get stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy can be the result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been confirmed. To win a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to show that the doctor's deviation from the accepted practice led to their injuries.

If you think your child suffered from an preventable erb's palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit can award your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical expenses, and also provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy results from injuries to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or damaged by an inconvenient delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to correctly diagnose this condition as soon as possible.

The most frequent reason for this is difficulties during childbirth. It usually occurs when the fetus's size is greater than was expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia. It is among the major Erb's Palsy law firm risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it can cause injuries to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. The doctor could be held liable for any damage that results from negligence.

You must establish that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviation from the accepted medical practice to be able to win an action for medical malpractice. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must demonstrate that the doctor's actions or failure to act led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a typical claim that could result in a significant award and life-time care for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, it is better to identify and treat the condition as soon as possible. If left untreated the condition can progress to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most popular form of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

The Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners examine possible lawsuits and claims for children suffering from brachial-plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth all over the United States. We encourage families to seek an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies However, a variety of complications may arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety of mother and child when these complications occur. Unfortunately, a few health professionals fail to take this step.

A physician may have to use a certain amount force during a difficult delivery to help the baby through the birth canal. This can cause the baby's nerves be damaged in the event that the neck gets stretched.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also conduct various tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to the extent a nerve has been damaged. A doctor can prescribe various medications to ease discomfort and pain and physical or occupational therapy to aid in restoring movement.

Compensation

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

When a child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it can impact all aspects of their lives. It can prevent their ability to work, it could limit the amount of time they spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be claimed for the expense of treatment, loss of earnings and the effect that the injury will have on a child's ability to engage in daily activities. Also, claims can be made for suffering and pain caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect this.

A successful case will show that the obstetrician was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving a deviation from the established practice and that the deviation directly resulted in the injury of your child. Every case is unique, and it can take a while to win an Erb's palsy lawsuit. It is imperative that families contact an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure that they do not have to miss the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late may be barred by the Statute of Limitations.