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 injury during birth, contact a erb's Palsy law firm for a no-cost consultation.

An attorney will analyze the case and calculate the estimated case value by determining future medical expenses. This will help you determine the value of your claim for an eventual settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused due to damage to a nerve bundle close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. Patients suffering from Erb's palsy may experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

This condition can be caused by a variety of medical errors made during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor using an extractor vacuum to deliver an infant vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's syndrome are completely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to an obligation to provide the highest standards of care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and do not get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy may be due to contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. These theories have not yet been proved. To be successful in a claim of medical malpractice, plaintiffs must to show that the doctor's deviation from accepted practices caused the injury.

If you believe your child was suffering from an unavoidable erb's palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit could grant your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy results from injuries to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. The nerves can be stretched or torn during a difficult delivery. Signs of this disorder include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for properly diagnosing the condition as fast as possible.

The most frequent reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. The most common cause is when a fetus's size is greater than the normal vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby are snared during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia. It is one of the major risk factors for Erb's Palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to recognize the shoulder dystocia, it could lead to injury of the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's palsy can result. If the doctor was negligent the doctor could be held accountable for any lasting damage.

You must prove that your injuries are caused by the doctor's deviation from the accepted medical practice in order to prevail in the case of medical malpractice. In the case of Erb's paralysis, you have to prove that the doctor's action or inactions led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a frequent claim that can result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of medical treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the earlier the condition is identified and treated the better the outcome. If it is not treated, the condition may progress into permanent tightening muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb's Palsy law firm, examines potential claims and lawsuits on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with abrachial plexus injury that was caused due to medical negligence during the birth in the United States. We encourage families to schedule an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have been trained to deliver babies in a safe way complications can arise. The physician must take action quickly to ensure the safety of the child and mother when these complications occur. Unfortunately, a few health professionals fail to take this step.

When a birth is complicated medical professional may need to apply a certain amount of force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. When doing this the doctor could accidentally stretch the baby's neck which could cause damage to the nerves.

Doctors may employ a variety of tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examinations to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of nerve damage. Doctors may also prescribe various medications to ease discomfort and pain, and occupational or physical therapy to aid in restoring movement.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatments for children suffering from Erb's syndrome can be very high. A successful lawsuit may give a family the financial means to afford the medical treatment they require. An experienced Erb's lawyer will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family could receive.

If a child is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, the condition can impact every aspect of their lives. It could hinder them from working and reduce the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's palsy law claims may be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and the effect that the injury will affect a child's capacity to enjoy daily activities. The compensation will also take into account the pain and suffering the injury has caused.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the established practice and how this resulted in your child's injury. Each case is unique and it can take a long time to win a lawsuit for Erb's palsy. It is crucial that families consult an attorney earlier rather than later to ensure that they don't run out of time to file the lawsuit. If a lawsuit is filed late, it may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.