Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child suffering from Erb's palsy can have devastating effects for families. If you believe your child's brachial-plexus injury was the result of negligence by a medical professional during the birth process, contact an experienced lawyer from the firm to schedule a free consultation.

An attorney will evaluate your case and estimate future medical expenses to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will help establish the value of your claim for a potential settlement.

Causes

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

This condition is caused by a variety of medical mistakes during labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section or a doctor who uses a vacuum extractor in order to deliver the baby vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's palsy are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses and midwives as well as other medical professionals, have a duty to maintain a high level of care in the room where babies are born. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal, and ensure that they do not become stuck or get lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.

Researchers have suggested that Erb's Palsy could be caused by contractions during pregnancy or the position of a pregnant women. These theories have not yet been proven. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, the plaintiffs have to show that the doctor's deviation from the accepted standard of care caused their injuries.

A birth injury lawyer can aid you if you believe your child has suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could provide your family with financial compensation to help pay for the medical expenses of your child as well as provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the brachial nerve the nerve system in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or torn due to an inconvenient delivery. The symptoms of this condition are weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors have a responsibility to identify the cause immediately.

The most frequent reason for this is difficulties during childbirth. This is typically the case when 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 called shoulder dystocia. It's one of the main risk factors for Erb's palsy.

When a doctor Erb's Palsy Law Firm uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it could result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's palsy can result. If the doctor's negligence caused the condition the doctor could be held responsible for any permanent damage.

To be able to file a successful medical malpractice case you must prove that the doctor's deviation from a standard of practice caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's Palsy, you must prove that the doctor's action or inactions resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that can result in a significant award and life-time treatment for your child.

Treatment

In most instances, it is better to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible. If it is not treated the condition could lead into permanent tightening muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used form of treatment is physical therapy and occasionally surgery.

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

While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however, complications may arise. Physicians must be quick to ensure the safety of the baby and Erb's palsy law firm mother when these issues occur. Unfortunately some health professionals do not do this.

In a difficult delivery medical professional may need to apply some force to assist the baby move through the birth canal. In doing so it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the baby's neck and damage the nerves.

In addition to a physical examination doctors may also perform a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the extent of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may also prescribe various medications to help ease discomfort and pain, and occupational or physical therapy to help restore movement.

Compensation

The expense of medical treatment for children with Erb's syndrome can be very high. A successful lawsuit can allow a family to afford the medical treatment they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will strive to maximize the amount of compensation a family may receive.

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

Erb's palsy law claims can be filed for the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings, and the impact that the injury could impact a child's capability to enjoy everyday activities. It is also possible to claim 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 was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the standard practice and resulting in your child's injury. Each case is unique and it can take a while to win an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should seek out an attorney as soon as they can to avoid being late in filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.