Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who suffers from Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence is the reason for your child's brachial injuries at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for free consultation.

An attorney will look over your case and determine future medical expenses to calculate your estimated value for your case. This will help you determine the worth of your claim for the possibility of settling.

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 and sensation. Erb's palsy causes weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.

This condition may result from an array of medical errors during labor and delivery for example, forceps usage and a C section that is performed too quickly, or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during vaginal birth. However, a majority instances of erb's paralysis are completely preventable. Midwives, nurses, and doctors and other medical professionals, have a duty to maintain a high level of care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and they do not become stuck or become lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy could be a result of contractions of the mother or the positioning of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been confirmed. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to prove that the doctor's omission from the accepted standard of care caused the injury.

If you think your child was suffering from an unavoidable erb's-palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you pursue justice. A successful lawsuit can be awarded to your family financially compensation to help pay for the medical costs of your child and give you a sense closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can get stretched or torn during a challenging delivery. The symptoms of this condition are weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are accountable to correctly diagnose this condition as soon as they can.

The most frequent cause is difficulties in childbirth. This problem usually occurs when the size of a fetus is greater than the normal vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders are snared during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia and it is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it may cause injuries to the nerves of the upper part of the brachialplexus. This causes Erb's Palsy. The doctor can be held accountable for any injury that is caused by negligence.

To successfully file a medical malpractice lawsuit it is necessary to prove that the doctor's departure from a standard of practice caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must prove that the doctor's action or failure to act caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a common claim, which can result in a substantial settlement and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, the sooner the condition is recognized and treated the better the outcome. Untreated, the condition can develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and even total or partial 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, investigates possible claims and lawsuits on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with a brachial injury by medical negligence at birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek an evaluation of their claim and a no-cost consultation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely, a number of complications can occur. When these complications occur the physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of the mother and child. Unfortunately, many health care professionals fail to do this.

During a complicated delivery the doctor may have to apply a certain amount of force to help the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves to be damaged when the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical examination doctors may also perform a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to the extent a nerve has been damaged. Doctors may prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain as well as occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore mobility.

Compensation

The cost of medical treatments for a child suffering from Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit could allow families to afford the treatment they require. An attorney who is knowledgeable in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that families receive.

If a child is diagnosed with Erb's'Palsy', the condition can impact all aspects of their lives. It can hinder their ability to work and restrict the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.

Erb's Law claims can be made to cover the cost of treatment, loss of earnings, and also the impact that the injury can have upon a child's daily activities. Claims can also be made to compensate for the suffering and pain caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.

A successful claim will demonstrate that the obstetrician, or the hospital was negligent. This will be shown by proving a deviation from the standard practice and resulting in your child's injury. Every case is unique and it can take time to win an Erb's Palsy lawsuit. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.