Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child diagnosed with Erb's 'Palsy' can cause devastating problems for families. If you think that your child's injury to the brachial nerve was the result of negligence by a medical professional during the birth process, you should contact an experienced lawyer from the firm to schedule a free consultation.

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

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck are damaged. These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. Individuals who suffer from the condition experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition could result from the occurrence of a myriad of medical errors during labor and delivery that include forceps or a C-section that was performed too soon or a doctor making a mistake with a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of erb's palsy can be avoided. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have an obligation to provide the highest standards of medical care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and do not become stuck or lodged into the pelvic bones of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy may be due to maternal contractions or the positioning of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been confirmed. Furthermore it is important to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case plaintiffs must show that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct cause of their injury.

A birth injury lawyer can aid in the event that you believe your child suffered an injury that is preventable, like the erb's syndrome. A successful lawsuit may award your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network or nerves that run through the shoulder and arm. These nerves can get stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to diagnose the condition whenever they can.

The most common cause is difficulties in childbirth. It usually occurs when the fetus is bigger than was expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders are stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia and is one of the main risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or fails in recognizing the shoulder dystocia, it can cause injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can cause Erb's palsy. The doctor is liable for any damage that is caused by negligence.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice claim it is necessary to prove that the doctor's departure from accepted practice caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you need to demonstrate that the doctor's actions or inactions resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a fairly common claim, and can result in a large settlement and a lifetime of care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of instances, it is better to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible. If left untreated the condition could lead to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. The most common form of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes, surgery.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb's Palsy law firm, studies potential claims and lawsuits on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with brachial plexus injury caused by medical negligence in the birth in the United States. We urge families to request an assessment of their claim and a free consultation.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe manner, complications can occur. If complications arise doctors must take action immediately to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, a few medical professionals fail to do this.

In a difficult delivery medical professional may need to apply some force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. In doing so the doctor could accidentally stretch the baby's neck and damage the nerves.

Doctors can use a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to physical examinations to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of the nerve damage. A doctor can also prescribe various medications to help ease discomfort and pain as well as physical or occupational therapy to help restore movement.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for a child suffering from erb's palsy lawyer palsy can be extremely high. A successful lawsuit may allow families to afford the treatment they require. An experienced Erb's lawyer will strive to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, the condition can affect all aspects of their lives. It can prevent the child from working, it could limit the amount of time they spend with their parents, and it can also cause emotional trauma.

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

A successful claim will show that the Obstetrician was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the standard practice and how this resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is different and it can take a long time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's Palsy. It is imperative to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later to ensure they don't be late in filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.