Erb's Palsy Law FirmA child who suffers from Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you believe that the brachial plexus injury of your child was the result of negligence by a medical professional during the birth process, you should contact an experienced
erb's palsy lawyer-palsy law firm to set up a no-cost consultation.
An attorney will analyze the case and calculate the estimated value of the case by calculating future medical costs. This will help determine the value of your claim for any settlement.
Causes
Erb's Palsy occurs when a bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves control shoulder, arm hand, and hand movements as well as sensation. Patients suffering from Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.
The condition can be caused by a variety of medical mistakes made during the birthing process and. These include the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor using an extractor vacuum to deliver an infant vaginally. However, a majority of cases of erb's spalsy are completely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have a duty to uphold a high standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and that they do not become stuck or get lodged in the mother's pelvic bone.
Researchers have suggested that Erb's ailment could be caused by contractions of the mother or the position of pregnant woman. However these theories haven't been proven. To be successful in a claim of medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to prove that the doctor's deviation from the accepted practice led to their injury.
A birth injury lawyer can aid you if you suspect that your child has suffered an injury that could have been prevented, such as Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit may award your family financial compensation for your child's medical expenses and give you closure.
Diagnosis
Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the brachialplexus, which is a network of nerves in the arm and shoulder. These nerves may become stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. This can lead to weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are accountable to properly diagnose this condition as soon as they can.
The most frequent reason for
Erb's Palsy Law Firm this is difficulties during childbirth. It usually happens when the fetus is bigger than what is expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders become stuck during the delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia and is among the major risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.
If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to recognize shoulder dystocia, it may cause injury to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. This can lead to Erb's paralysis. If the doctor's negligence was to blame, he or she can be held responsible for any lasting damage.
To be able to file a successful medical malpractice claim it is necessary to prove that the doctor's deviance from the accepted practices caused your injuries. In the case of Erb's Palsy, you must prove that the doctor's actions or inaction resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a very common claim that could result in a substantial settlement and a lifetime of medical treatment for your child.
Treatment
In most cases, it is better to diagnose and treat the problem as soon as you can. If the condition is not treated the condition can progress to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. The most commonly used form 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 urge families to request an initial consultation and assessment of their claim.
Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe manner complications can still occur. If complications arise the physician must act immediately to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, many health professionals fail to do this.
In a difficult delivery one may need to apply a certain amount of force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This can cause the baby's nerves to be damaged in the event that the neck is accidentally stretched.
Doctors may use a variety tests,
Erb's Palsy Law Firm including X-rays and ultrasounds, as well as physical examination to determine the extent of the injury and the extent of nerve damage. A doctor might prescribe medications to ease discomfort and pain and may also recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore mobility.
Compensation
The cost of medical treatment for a child suffering from Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit can allow families to pay for the treatment they need. A lawyer who has experience in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that the family receives.
If a baby suffers from Erb's Palsy, it can impact every aspect of their lives. It can hinder them from working and limit the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.
Erb's palsy law claims may be made for the cost of treatment, loss of earnings and the effect that the injury will affect a child's capacity to enjoy daily activities. Claims can also be made for the pain and suffering caused by the injury and the compensation paid will reflect the severity of the injury.
A successful claim will show that the obstetrician was negligent. This will be shown by proving that there was a deviation from the established practice and how this resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique and it could take some time to settle a lawsuit for Erb's Palsy. Families should consult with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid being late in filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit that is filed late may be time barred by the Statute of Limitations.