Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence led to the brachial injury of your child at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and determine the future medical expenses to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will help determine the value of your claim for any settlement.

Causes

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to a nerve bundle 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 can be caused by a number of medical mistakes during the labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section or the use of an extractor vacuum to deliver an infant vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's spalsy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have the obligation to maintain a high standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they do not get stuck or get lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy could be the result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been proved. Moreover it is crucial to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case the plaintiffs must prove that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you suspect your child suffered from an avoidable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could award your family financial compensation for your child's medical costs and give you closure.

Diagnosis

erb's palsy attorneys Palsy is caused by damage to the brachial nerve which is a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or strained by a difficult delivery. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing the condition as soon as they can.

The most common cause is difficulties in childbirth. It usually occurs when the fetus is bigger than was expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during the delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia. It is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive force or fails in recognizing the shoulder dystocia, it could result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. The doctor can be held responsible for any damage caused by negligence.

You must prove that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviation from the accepted medical practice in order to win an action for medical negligence. In the case of Erb's palsy, you need to show that the doctor's actions or inaction led to your child suffering an injury to the brachial plexus's upper nerves. This is a common claim, and can result in a large settlement and a lifetime of treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of instances, it is best to recognize and treat the condition as soon as you can. Untreated, the condition can develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and even total or partial paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most frequently used treatments.

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

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely there are a variety of complications that could arise. A physician must act quickly to ensure the safety of the baby and mother when these complications occur. Unfortunately, some medical professionals fail to do this.

When a birth is complicated the doctor may have to apply some force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This can cause the baby's nerves be damaged in the event that the neck is accidentally stretched.

Doctors may utilize a variety tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to physical examination to determine the extent of the injury and the extent of the nerve damage. Doctors can prescribe various medications to alleviate pain and discomfort, and physical or occupational therapy to aid in restoring movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers with Erb's 'Palsy' can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit could allow a family the financial means to afford the care they require. An experienced Erb's lawyer will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

When a child is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it 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 to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effects the injury will have on a child's daily activities. The compensation will also reflect the pain and suffering that the injury has caused.

A successful claim will show that the obstetrician, or the hospital was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving an error in the standard of care and that the deviation caused injury to your child. Every case is unique and it can take a long time to settle a case for Erb's palsy. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid being late in filing an action. A lawsuit that is filed late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.