Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child with Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you think that medical negligence is the reason for your child's injury to his brachial cord at birth, you should contact an erb's Palsy law firm for free consultation.

An attorney will analyze the case and calculate the estimated case value by determining future medical expenses. This will help to establish the value of your claim in a potential settlement.

Causes

Erb's syndrome 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. Patients with the condition experience weakness, numbness or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.

This condition may result from the occurrence of a myriad of medical errors during labor and birth for example, forceps usage as well as a C-section done too early or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of erb's palsy can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are held to the responsibility of maintaining an excellent standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal artery and they don't get stuck or get lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy may be due to contractions of the mother or the positioning of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been proved. Additionally it is important to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice case, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's deviance from accepted practices was the primary reason for their injuries.

If you believe your child suffered from an avoidable erb's-palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can assist you in seeking justice. A successful lawsuit can award your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy results from damage to the brachial plexus which is a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn during a difficult delivery. Symptoms of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to diagnose the condition as soon as possible.

The difficulties of childbirth are the most frequent reason for this issue. 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 are snared during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia. It's an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.

If a physician applies excessive pressure or fails to detect shoulder dystocia, it may cause injury to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. The doctor can be held liable for any damage that is caused by negligence.

To be able to win a medical malpractice lawsuit you must prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's Palsy, you must show that the doctor's actions or inactions led to your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a common claim that can result in a substantial award and life-time care for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of instances, it is better to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as you can. If it is not treated the condition could lead to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Physical therapy and sometimes surgery are the most common treatments.

Marc J. Bern & Partners, an experienced Erb's Palsy law firm, studies potential claims and lawsuits on behalf of children diagnosed with brachial plexus injury caused by medical negligence in the birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek an appointment with a lawyer and claim evaluation.

While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however, complications may arise. A doctor must act swiftly to ensure the safety of the child and mother when these issues occur. Unfortunately, some health care professionals fail to do this.

A doctor may need to apply a certain amount of force during a difficult delivery in order to help the baby through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged in the event that the neck gets stretched.

Doctors can use a variety of tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds, in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of the nerve damage. A doctor may prescribe a variety of medications to help ease discomfort and pain, as well as occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for children suffering from Erb's Palsy may be very high. A successful lawsuit could allow families the financial resources to pay for the treatment that they need. A lawyer who has experience in Erb's Palsy will maximize the amount of compensation families receive.

If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, the condition can affect 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, the loss of earnings and effect that the injury will have on a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. The settlement will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the Obstetrician was negligent. This will be proven by demonstrating a departure from the standard practice and that this directly resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique, and it may take a long time to win an Erb's Palsy lawsuit. Families should seek out an attorney as soon as possible to avoid not meeting the deadline to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.