Erb's Palsy Law Firm
A child with Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you think that your child's brachial-plexus injury was the result of negligence on the part of medical professionals during the birth process, call an experienced erb's Palsy law firm for a free consultation.
An attorney will evaluate your case and determine future medical costs to calculate your estimated value for your case. This will help establish the value of your claim in an eventual settlement.
Causes
Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movements and sensation. Erb's palsy causes weakness, numbness or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.
The condition can be caused by a variety of medical errors during labor and delivery that include forceps or a C-section that was performed too soon or a doctor using a vacuum extractor improperly during vaginal birth. The majority of cases of Erb's palsy can be avoided. Midwives, nurses, and doctors as well as other medical professionals, have a duty to ensure a high level of medical care in the birthing room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and they don't become stuck or entangled in the pelvic bone of a mother's.
Researchers have suggested that Erb's palsy may be caused by maternal contractions or the position of pregnant women. However, these theories have not been confirmed. To win a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice caused their injury.
A birth injury lawyer can assist you if you believe that your child suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as the erb's syndrome. A successful lawsuit could give your family financial compensation to cover the medical expenses of your child and give you a sense closure.
Diagnosis
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or damaged by the difficulty of delivering. The symptoms of this condition are weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to diagnose the condition as soon as they can.
Difficulties in childbirth are the most frequent reason for this. It usually occurs when the fetus is larger than the normal size for a vaginal birth or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia. It's a major risk factor for Erb's palsy.
If a doctor uses excessive pressure or fails to recognize shoulder dystocia it can result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. The doctor can be held accountable for any injury that results from negligence.
To successfully file a medical malpractice lawsuit you must prove that the doctor's departure from the accepted practice led to your injuries. In the case of Erb's paralysis, you have to show that the doctor's actions or inactions caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a very common claim that can result in a huge award and life-time care for your child.
Treatment
In most instances, it is best to treat and diagnose the condition as soon as you can. If it is not treated the condition can lead to permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. The most popular form of treatment is physical therapy and sometimes surgery.
The Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners examine possible claims and lawsuits for children diagnosed with brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth throughout the United States. We encourage families to seek an assessment of their claim and a free consultation.
Despite the fact that nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe manner complications can happen. When these complications occur, a physician must act promptly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, some health care professionals are not able to take this step.
A doctor might have to apply a certain amount force during a difficult delivery to help the baby through the birth canal. When doing this they could accidentally stretch the baby's neck which could cause damage to the nerves.
In addition to a physical examination, doctors may also conduct a variety of tests, such as Xrays or ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to the extent a nerve has been damaged. A doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate discomfort and pain and may also recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore mobility.
erb's palsy law firm baton rouge of treatment for a child suffering from the condition Erb's palsy can be extremely expensive. A successful lawsuit can allow families to pay for the treatment they need. A seasoned lawyer from Erb's palsy will work to maximize the amount of compensation that a family will receive.
When a baby is diagnosed with the condition Erb's palsy, it can affect all aspects of their life. It could 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 expenses of treatment, loss of earnings, and the impact the injury will have on a child's daily activities. Claims can also be made for the pain and suffering caused by the injury. The compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.
A successful case will show that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the established 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 speak with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid missing the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit that is filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.