Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who has erb's paralysis can have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence caused your child's brachial injuries during birth, call an erb's Palsy law firm for a no-cost consultation.

An attorney will look over the case and calculate the estimated value of the case by calculating the future medical expenses. This will help establish the value of your claim in the possibility of settling.

Causes

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

This condition may result from various medical mistakes during labor and birth, including forceps use, a C-section performed too early, or a physician misusing a vacuum extractor during vaginal birth. The majority of cases of erb's palsy can be avoided. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals are held to the responsibility of maintaining a high standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and that they do not get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's palsy may be caused by contractions in the mother or the position of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been proven. To be successful in a claim of medical malpractice, the plaintiffs have to show that the doctor's deviation from the accepted standard of care caused their injuries.

If you believe your child suffered from a preventable Erb's Palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could award your family with financial compensation to pay for the medical expenses of your child and give you a sense closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by injuries to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. Signs of this disorder include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing the condition as fast as is feasible.

The most frequent reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. The most common cause is when the size of a fetus is greater than what is expected for vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor makes use of excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia, it can result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can cause Erb's palsy. If the doctor's negligence was to blame then he or she could be held responsible for any permanent damage.

You must prove that your injuries are resulted from the doctor's deviation from accepted medical practice to be able to win an action for medical negligence. In the case of Erb's palsy, you need to prove that the doctor's action or failure to act caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a frequent claim that could result in a large settlement and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most instances, it is best to diagnose and treat the condition immediately. If left untreated the condition can lead into permanent tightening muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most commonly used treatments.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb's Palsy law firm, examines possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury triggered due to medical negligence during the birth in the United States. We encourage families to request an initial consultation and assessment of their claim.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have been trained to deliver babies in a safe way complications can still occur. If complications arise doctors must act promptly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, a few health care professionals are not able to do this.

During a complicated delivery medical professional may need to apply a certain amount of force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves to be damaged in the event that the neck is accidentally stretched.

Doctors may utilize a variety tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examinations to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of the nerve damage. Doctors can prescribe a variety of medications to alleviate discomfort and pain and physical or occupational therapy to help restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for a child who suffers from Erb's Palsy can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit can allow families to pay for the care they require. An attorney who is knowledgeable in the field of Erb's palsy can maximize the compensation that the family receives.

If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's systy it can impact all aspects of their lives. It could prevent their ability to work, it can limit the amount of time they spend with their parents and it can also cause emotional trauma.

Erb's law claims can be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and impact that the injury will have on a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. Also, claims can be made to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect this.

A successful claim will show that the Obstetrician was negligent. This will be shown by proving that there was a deviation from the accepted procedure, and that this directly resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique, and it can take a while to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. It is imperative to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later to ensure they do not miss the deadline to file the lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.