Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating effects on families. If you believe that medical negligence led to your child's brachial injury at birth, contact an Erb's palsy law firm for free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and determine the future medical costs to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will allow you determine the value of your claim and a possible 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 movement as well as sensation. Individuals who suffer from Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition is caused by a variety of medical mistakes during birth and delivery. These include the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor using a vacuum extractor to deliver an infant vaginally. The majority of cases of Erb's Palsy can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, and nurses and other medical professionals, have a responsibility to ensure a high level of care in the birthing area. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered through 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 contractions of the mother or the positioning of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been proved. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to show that the doctor's omission from accepted practice caused their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can assist you if you suspect that your child suffered an injury that is preventable, like erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could grant your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused due to injury to the brachialplexus which is a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for properly diagnosing this condition as quickly as possible.

The most frequent reason is childbirth difficulties. It typically occurs when the fetus's size is higher than what is expected for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It is one of the major risks for developing Erb's - Palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia, it could lead to injury of the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's palsy can result. The doctor is 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 practices to win an action for medical negligence. In the event that your child suffers from Erb's palsy and you want to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that resulted in injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a fairly common claim that could result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of medical treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, the sooner the condition is detected and treated, the better the outcome. If not treated, the condition may develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and even total or partial paralysis. The most common form of treatment is physical therapy and sometimes, surgery.

The Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners look into potential claims and lawsuits for children diagnosed with brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth throughout the United States. We urge families to request an evaluation of their claim as well as a free consultation.

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely there are a variety of complications that may arise. If these complications arise doctors must take action immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, some health professionals do not do so.

A physician may have to apply a certain amount force during a difficult birth to assist the baby through the birth canal. When doing this they could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby which could cause damage to the nerves.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also perform various tests, such as Xrays or ultrasounds, to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. Doctors may prescribe various medicines to ease discomfort and pain and occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatment for a child with Erb's syndrome can be very high. A successful lawsuit may give families the financial resources to afford the treatment that they need. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby is diagnosed with the condition Erb's palsy It can affect all aspects of their lives. It can stop them from working and limit the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's palsy law claims can be made for the cost of treatment, loss of earnings and impact that the injury will affect a child's capacity to participate in everyday activities. The settlement will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician was negligent. This will be proven by proving a deviation from the accepted procedure, and resulting in the injury of your child. Each case is different and it can take a while to win an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid missing the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late could be barred from time by the Statute of Limitations.