Erb's Palsy Law FirmA child who suffers from Erb's Palsy can have devastating consequences for families. If you think that medical negligence led to the brachial injury of your child at birth, contact an erb's Palsy law firm for an initial consultation for free.
An attorney will analyze the case and determine the estimated value of the case by calculating future medical expenses. This will allow you to determine the value of your claim to potential settlement.
Causes
Erb's Palsy is caused when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves that run through the neck is damaged. These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movement as well as sensation. Patients suffering from the condition experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.
This condition may result from various medical mistakes during labor and delivery such as forceps use or a C-section that was performed too quickly, or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during a vaginal birth. The majority of cases of erb's palsy can be prevented. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have an obligation to provide a high standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal, and ensure that they don't become stuck or lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.
Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be a result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. These theories haven't yet been proven. To prevail in a case of medical malpractice, plaintiffs need to prove that the doctor's deviance from accepted practices caused their injuries.
A birth injury lawyer can assist you if you believe that your child is suffering from an injury that is preventable, like Erb's paralysis. A successful lawsuit could grant your family an amount of money to cover 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 shoulder and arm. These nerves may be stretched or torn by an inconvenient delivery. This can lead to weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are accountable to correctly diagnose this condition immediately.
The most common cause is difficulties in childbirth. This problem usually occurs when the size of a fetus is greater than the normal vaginal delivery or when the shoulders of the baby become stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the main risk factors for Erb's Palsy.
If a doctor applies excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia, it could cause injury to upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's Palsy results. If the doctor was negligent the doctor could be held responsible for any permanent harm.
You must establish that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviance from the accepted medical practices to win a case for medical malpractice. In the event that your child suffers from Erb's palsy the next step is to prove that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way which caused injury to the upper Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a common claim that can result in a large amount of money and lifelong care for your child.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. If the condition is not treated, the condition may progress to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Physical therapy and, sometimes, surgery are the most common treatments.
Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb's Palsy law firm, investigates potential claims and lawsuits on behalf of children diagnosed with brachial plexus injury caused by medical negligence at birth in the United States. We urge families to request an evaluation of their claim and an appointment for a free consultation.
While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies, a number of complications can arise. When these complications occur doctors must act immediately to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, many health professionals fail to do this.
When a birth is complicated, a physician may need to apply a certain amount of force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. When doing this it is possible that he or she will accidentally stretch the neck of the baby and damage the nerves.
In addition to a physical exam doctors can also conduct 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. Doctors can also prescribe various medications to help ease discomfort and pain as well as occupational or physical therapy to restore movement.
Compensation
The cost of medical treatment for children with Erb's palsy is often high. A successful lawsuit could allow families the financial resources to afford the care they require. A lawyer who is experienced in the field of
erb's palsy lawsuits Psy will maximize the amount of compensation a family receives.
If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it can affect every aspect 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 for the cost of treatment, loss of earnings, and the impact that the injury will affect a child's ability to enjoy everyday activities. Also, claims can be made 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 prove that the obstetrician or hospital was negligent. This will be proven by proving deviation from the norm and that this resulted in the injury to your child. Each case is different and it could take a while to settle a lawsuit for Erb's Palsy. It is essential that families consult an attorney sooner rather than later to ensure that they don't have to miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed late may be barred under the Statute of Limitations.