Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you believe that medical negligence is the reason for your child's brachial injury during birth, contact a erb's Palsy law firm for a free consultation.

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

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movement as well as sensation. Patients suffering from Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition may result from an array of medical errors during labor and birth such as forceps use as well as a C-section done too quickly, or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be avoided. Midwives, nurses, and doctors along with other medical professionals, are required to ensure a high standard of care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal channel and do not get stuck or lodged in the pelvic bones of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be a result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. However these theories have not been confirmed. Furthermore it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct cause of their injury.

If you believe your child suffered from an preventable erb's palsy attorney 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 costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachial plexus the nerve system in the arm and shoulder. The nerves could be stretched or torn by a difficult delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing the condition as fast as is possible.

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

If a physician uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it could cause injury to the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's Palsy results. The doctor could be held accountable for any injury that results from negligence.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice claim you must prove that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must prove that the doctor's actions or inaction resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a typical claim that can result in a large award and life-time treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, it is better to treat and diagnose the condition as soon as you can. Untreated, the condition can develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and may lead to complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, an experienced Erb's Palsy law firm, studies potential claims and lawsuits on behalf of children diagnosed with a brachial injury by medical negligence at birth in the United States. We urge families to request an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely however, complications could arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety both of the baby and mother in the event of complications. Unfortunately certain health professionals are not doing this.

A doctor may need to apply a certain amount force during a difficult delivery in order to help the baby through the birth canal. In doing so, he or she could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby and damage the nerves.

Doctors may use a variety tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of the nerve damage. A doctor might prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain as well as physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child suffering with Erb's 'Palsy' can be quite high. A successful lawsuit may help families to afford the medical treatment they require. A lawyer who has experience in the field of Erb's palsy can maximize the amount of compensation a family receives.

When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's systy it can impact all aspects of their lives. It can prevent them from working, it can restrict the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy Law claims may be filed to cover costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effect the injury could affect a child's everyday activities. It is also possible to claim for the discomfort and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will show that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This is 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 may take some time to settle a lawsuit for Erb's palsy. It is crucial that families contact an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure that they do not have to miss the deadline for filing the lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.