Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with erb's palsy can have devastating effects on families. If you suspect that medical negligence caused your child's injury to his brachial cord at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for an initial consultation for free.

An attorney will analyze the case and determine the estimated value of the case based on future medical expenses. This will allow you to determine the value of your claim to a possible settlement.

Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle close to the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves control arm, shoulder and hand movements, as well as sensation. Erb's palsy causes weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition could result from a variety of medical errors during labor and delivery that include forceps, a C-section performed too soon or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of erb's palsy lawsuits palsy can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have the responsibility of maintaining the highest standards of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and they don't become stuck or lodged in the pelvic bone of a mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy could be a result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been confirmed. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to show that the doctor's deviation from the accepted standard of care caused the injury.

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

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a system of nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves can get stretched or torn during an arduous delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing the condition as fast as is possible.

The most frequent cause is difficulties in childbirth. The most common cause is when the size of the fetus exceeds than expected for vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby are snared during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia and is among the major risk factors for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it could cause injuries to the nerves of the upper part of the brachialplexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. If the doctor's negligence caused the condition then he or she could be held responsible for any damage that may be permanent.

To be able to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must prove that the doctor's deviation from the accepted practice led to your injuries. If your child has Erb's Palsy and you want to prove that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner that resulted in injury to the Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a fairly common claim, and can result in a large settlement and lifetime medical treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most cases, the sooner the condition is recognized and treated the better the result. If left untreated, the condition could progress to permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and even total or partial paralysis. Physical therapy and sometimes surgery 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 in the birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek an evaluation of their claim as well as an appointment for a free consultation.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe manner complications can happen. When these complications occur, a physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately many medical professionals fail to do this.

When a birth is complicated the doctor may have to apply some force to assist 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.

In addition to a physical exam doctors can also conduct various tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to the extent that a nerve has been damaged. Doctors can also prescribe various medications to ease discomfort and pain and occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for a child suffering from Erb's palsy can be extremely high. A successful lawsuit can give a family the financial means to pay for the care they require. A lawyer who is experienced in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that a family receives.

When a child is diagnosed with Erb's systy, it can affect every aspect of their lives. It could hinder them from working, it may limit the amount time they can spend with their parents, and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's Palsy Law claims could be filed to cover costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effects the injury will affect a child's daily activities. Claims can also be made for the discomfort and suffering caused by the injury. The compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will show that the doctor was negligent. This will be proven by proving that there was a deviation from the standard practice and resulting in the injury of your child. Each case is unique and it could take a long time to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid not meeting the deadline to file an action. A lawsuit filed too late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.