Erb's Palsy Law Firm

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

An attorney will look over the case and determine the estimated value of the case based on future medical expenses. This will help establish the value of your claim in a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's Palsy occurs when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves control shoulder, arm and hand movements, as well as sensation. Erb's Palsy causes weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the arm and shoulder.

The condition can be caused by various medical mistakes during labor and delivery that include forceps, a C-section performed too early, or a physician using a vacuum extractor improperly during vaginal birth. However, the majority of cases of erb's syndrome are preventable. Midwives, nurses, and doctors along with other medical professionals, are required to ensure a high standard of care in the birthing area. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered through the vaginal channel and that they don't get stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be the result of maternal contractions or the positioning of pregnant women. These theories haven't yet been proven. Furthermore it is crucial to note that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you think your child suffered from a preventable erb's palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit can award your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical expenses, and also provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn during a challenging delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing the condition as fast as possible.

The most common reason for this is difficulties during childbirth. The problem is usually caused by the size of a fetus is greater than what is expected for vaginal birth or when the shoulders of the baby get stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the main risks for developing Erb's - Palsy.

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

To be able to win a medical malpractice case you must prove that the doctor's deviance from a standard of practice caused your injuries. In the case where your child has Erb's Palsy, it is necessary to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner which caused injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that could result in a substantial award and life-time treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, it's best to diagnose and treat the problem immediately. If the condition is not treated, the condition may progress to permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. The most commonly used method of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, an experienced Erb's Palsy law firm, examines potential lawsuits and claims on behalf of children diagnosed with a brachial injury by medical negligence during birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek an assessment of their case and a free consultation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications may arise. If these complications arise the physician must act promptly to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, some health professionals fail to take this step.

A doctor might have to use a certain amount force during a difficult delivery in order to help the baby through the birth canal. When doing this it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the baby's neck which could cause damage to the nerves.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also conduct various tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate discomfort and pain and also occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore motion.

Compensation

The costs of medical treatment for children with Erb's Palsy can be incredibly expensive. A successful lawsuit could allow families to pay for the medical treatment they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will do their best to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it can affect every aspect of their life. It could hinder their ability to work, it can restrict the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can also cause emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy law claims may be filed for the cost of treatment, loss of earnings and the impact that the injury will impact a child's capability to participate in everyday activities. The settlement will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the Obstetrician was negligent. This is demonstrated by proving that there was a deviation from the accepted practice, and that the deviation directly resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique and it could take a long time to win an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid falling behind the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.