Erb's Palsy Lawyers

An experienced attorney can help simplify the legal procedure. Erb's palsy lawyers are able to help clients receive financial compensation for any future medical requirements.

Parents should have the assurance that their children are being taken seriously even if they are involved in an accident that can change their lives. Unfortunately this isn't always easy when medical negligence is involved.

Prevention of Birth Injuries

Many birth injuries are preventable. While some are caused by factors that are beyond the medical professionals' control for example, the size and position of the pelvis or the birth canal, other injuries aren't. Doctors are required to accurately determine the size and weight of a fetus and to recommend a C-section birth if they believe that the baby will be difficult to deliver vaginally. This can prevent injuries to both the mother and fetus and may also avoid the need for medically-needed interventions.

If a physician fails to adhere to this rule this can lead to injuries such as Erb's palsy or brachial plexus injuries. These injuries happen when nerves in the shoulder or arm are damaged during birth. In most cases, they result in weakening or limiting movement in the area for the rest of the life of the child. These ailments can be very costly to treat.

Families who suffer from these injuries need financial compensation to cover the costs. An erb's palsy attorney can fight to ensure that families receive the maximum amount of compensation possible, which can ease their financial burden and help them secure proper treatment for their child. A good erb's palsy lawyer will be honest about whether your case is strong and will do their best for you.

Erb's Palsy - Causes

erb's palsy law firm palsy is caused by injuries to the upper portion of nerves located in the arm. They are called the brachial plexus. These nerves send signals to muscles to allow them to move. If the nerves are damaged, they will not be able to conduct signals properly and the arm doesn't move properly or at all. In most instances, the damage heals with time, however some infants may have permanent disability.

Many cases of erb's palsy lawsuits palsy occur when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the pubic bone of the mother during birth, a condition known as shoulder dystocia. The medical professionals delivering the baby must exert pressure to release the shoulder, and this may cause tearing or stretching of the healthy nerves of the brachial complex.

These nerves damaged by injury may be avulsed. This means that they completely separate from the spinal cord, neuroma. This means that the scar tissue puts pressure on the nerve and blocks it from sending signals, or neuropraxia, which is when the nerves are stretched, but not torn. The longer the nerve is damaged the more difficult it will be to heal.

Preventing a shoulder dystocia in labor requires communication between mother-to-be and obstetrician regarding the safest place to deliver and how to respond in the event of difficulties during the birth. Unfortunately many cases of Erb's Palsy are the result of medical negligence on the part of nurses and doctors who use excessive force during the birthing process.

Erb's Palsy Treatment

For babies with Erb's palsy, their physical therapy will be focused on regaining the range of motion in their arms and fingers. Physical therapy can be combined with different treatments like hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is beneficial because it lets a baby exercise in an anti-gravity setting which eases pain from muscle spasms.

Other treatments include medications to reduce pain and swelling. A physician may also splice or graft healthy nerves from elsewhere in the body to replace damaged ones. This can help restore feeling and flexibility, as well as support to the arm.

Newborns with Erb's palsy may require surgery to repair a ruptured brachial plexus. A ruptured nerve, which is caused by the tearing of one or more nerves in the spine, is the most severe type of Erb's Palsy. The nerves damaged can be reattached by a doctor and allow the nerves to heal. The procedure is generally successful and allows the majority of children to resume full range of motion in their arms. Some patients may suffer permanent impairment due to the injury.

Erb's Palsy Settlements

While some children suffering from Erb's palsy can overcome the limitations caused by the condition by undergoing daily physical therapy, many will require surgery to repair nerve damage. Medical malpractice lawsuits can help families get fair compensation for their child’s injuries.

Your lawyer will consult experts in order to determine the likely cost of treatment. This is called the case value. The value of the case will be based on the severity of the injury and how it affects your child's future. Your attorney will try to secure life-care expenses and future estimated medical expenses and other damages.

Your lawyer will send an official demand letter to the hospital or doctor accountable for your child's injuries. The letter will explain the injuries suffered by your child and the manner in which they were caused through medical negligence. The letter will also include the amount of compensation you are seeking.

The doctor at fault is then able to negotiate an agreement. This is a more affordable alternative to going to trial. If your attorney makes an argument that is convincing, the medical professional responsible may opt to accept a settlement outside of court to avoid the negative publicity that comes with the possibility of a trial. If a settlement agreement is reached, the funds will be placed into a trust to cover your child's medical treatment and other needs.