Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy can have devastating effects for families. If you suspect that medical negligence is the reason for your child's brachial injuries during birth, contact a erb's Palsy law firm for a no-cost consultation.

An attorney will analyze the case and estimate the case value by determining future medical expenses. This will help determine the value of your claim for any settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves are responsible for arm, shoulder and hand movement and sensation. Erb's Palsy is a condition that causes weakness, numbness or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

The condition can be caused by an array of medical errors during labor and delivery that include forceps, a C-section performed too soon or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's psy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses and midwives and other medical professionals, have a responsibility to maintain a high level of care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through vaginal canal and that they don't get stuck or entangled in the pelvic bones of the mother's.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's palsy could be caused by contractions of the mother or the position of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been confirmed. In addition, it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit plaintiffs must show that the doctor's departure from accepted practices was the primary cause of their injury.

If you think your child was suffering from an unavoidable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth trauma lawyer can assist you in seeking justice. A successful lawsuit can be awarded to your family financially compensation to help pay for the medical costs of your child and provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network or nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or torn due to an inconvenient delivery. This can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing the condition as soon as is possible.

The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. It usually happens when the fetus is larger than what is expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia and it is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or Erb's Palsy Law Firm fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it may lead to injury of the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. If the doctor's negligence is the cause, he or she can be held responsible for any permanent harm.

To be able to win a medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the doctor's deviation from the accepted practice led to your injuries. For cases involving Erb's Palsy, you must show that the doctor's actions or inactions led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a common case that can result in a significant award and life-time treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is detected and treated more effective the results. If left untreated the condition can lead to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Surgery and physical therapy are the most popular treatments.

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

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications can arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety both of the baby and mother in the event of complications. Unfortunately many medical professionals fail to do this.

When a birth is complicated the doctor may have to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. In doing so the doctor could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby and cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors can use a variety of tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examination to determine the extent of the injury and Erb's Palsy law firm the extent of nerve damage. Doctors may prescribe medications to ease pain and discomfort and may also recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers with Erb's 'Palsy' can be quite high. A successful lawsuit could allow families to afford the treatment they need. An experienced erb's palsy lawyer lawyer will work to maximize the amount of compensation a family may receive.

When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it can impact every aspect of their lives. It could prevent them from working, it can restrict the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims can be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and the impact that the injury will affect a child's capacity to participate in everyday activities. Claims can also be made for the discomfort and suffering caused by the injury, and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician who performed the procedure or the hospital was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the standard practice and that the deviation directly resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is different and it could take a while to win a lawsuit for Erb's palsy. Families should contact an attorney as soon as they can to avoid missing the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.