Erb's Palsy Law Firm

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

An attorney will review the case and calculate the case value by determining future medical costs. This will help establish your claim value for the possibility of settling.

Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves control shoulder, arm, and hand movements and sensation. Patients with erb's palsy experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.

This condition could be the result of an array of medical errors during labor and birth that include forceps or a C-section that was performed too soon or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be avoided. Doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as other medical professionals, have a duty to ensure a high level of medical care in the birthing room. They must ensure that the shoulders of the baby are delivered via the vaginal canal and do not get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy can be the result of contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. These theories have not yet been confirmed. To be successful in a claim of medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to prove that the doctor's deviance from the accepted standard of care caused their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can assist you if you believe your child suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could grant your family the financial compensation your child needs for medical expenses and provide you with closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the brachialplexus which is a system of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves may be stretched or strained by the difficulty of delivering. This can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to properly diagnose this condition as soon as they can.

The most frequent reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. This problem usually occurs when the size of the fetus is higher than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during birth. This is called shoulder dystocia and it is one of the main risk factors for Erb's palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia, it may result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's spalsy is the result. If the doctor was negligent the doctor could be held responsible for any damage that may be permanent.

You must prove that your injuries are caused by the doctor's deviance from accepted medical practice in order to prevail in an action for medical negligence. In the case where your child has Erb's Palsy the next step is to show that the doctor was negligent or acted in a manner that caused the injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that can result in a significant award and lifetime treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is recognized and treated, the better the outcome. If it is not treated the condition could lead to permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even complete 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, examines potential lawsuits and claims on behalf of children diagnosed with abrachial plexus injury that was caused due to medical negligence during the birth in the United States. We encourage families to seek a free consultation and claim evaluation.

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however, complications can occur. Physicians must be quick to ensure the safety both of the mother and child when these complications occur. Unfortunately certain medical professionals fail to do the right thing.

A physician may have to use a certain amount force during a difficult delivery in order to help the baby through the birth canal. In doing so it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the baby's neck, which may damage the nerves.

Doctors may employ a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds, Erb's Palsy law firm in addition to a physical examination to determine the severity of the injury as well as the extent of nerve damage. A doctor may prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain and may also recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The costs of medical treatment for a child suffering from Erb's Palsy can be incredibly expensive. A successful lawsuit could give a family to have the financial capacity to pay for the care they require. A lawyer with experience in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that a family receives.

When a child is diagnosed with the condition Erb's palsy it can affect all aspects of their life. It can hinder the child from working, it could limit the amount of time they can spend with their parents and it can cause emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy law claims can be made for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, and the effects that injuries have on a child's ability to engage in daily activities. Also, claims can be made for pain and suffering resulting from the injury. The amount paid will reflect this.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the doctor Erb's Palsy Law Firm who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This will be shown by proving a deviation from the accepted procedure, and that the deviation directly resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique and it may take some time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb's palsy. It is imperative that families consult an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure they do not run out of time to file the lawsuit. A lawsuit that is filed late could be barred from time by the Statute of Limitations.