Erb's Palsy Law FirmA child suffering from erb's syndrome can have devastating consequences for families. If you suspect that medical negligence was the cause of your child's injury to his brachial cord during birth, call an Erb's Palsy law firm to get a free consultation.
An attorney will review your case and determine the future medical expenses to determine your estimated case value. This will allow you determine the worth of your claim and potential settlement.
Causes
Erb's Palsy is caused when the bundle (the brachialplexus) of nerves in the neck gets damaged. These nerves control arm, shoulder and hand movements, as well as sensation. Patients with Erb's Palsy suffer from weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm or shoulder.
The condition can be caused by a number of medical errors during labor and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, an unplanned C-section or a doctor who uses a vacuum extractor to deliver the baby vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's syndrome can be prevented. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have an obligation to provide an excellent standard of care in the birth room. They must ensure the baby's shoulders are delivered through the vaginal canal and they don't become stuck or lodged within the pelvic bone of the mother's.
Some researchers suggest that Erb's palsy could be the result of contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. However these theories have not been proven. Moreover it is important to keep in mind that to win a medical malpractice lawsuit plaintiffs must show that the doctor's aversion to accepted practice was a direct cause of their injury.
If you suspect that your child suffered from an preventable Erb's palsy-related injury, a birth trauma lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit can award your family an amount of money to cover your child's medical costs and give you closure.
Diagnosis
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachialplexus which is a network or nerves in the shoulder and arm. These nerves can be stretched or strained by a difficult delivery. This condition can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Doctors are accountable for diagnosing this condition as quickly as is feasible.
The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. It usually happens when the fetus is bigger than expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders get stuck during delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia and it is an important risk factor for Erb's palsy.
If a physician uses excessive force or fails to detect the shoulder dystocia it can cause injury to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. Erb's spalsy is the result. The doctor is responsible for any damage caused by negligence.
You must establish that your injuries were caused by the doctor's deviation from accepted medical practice to be able to win an action for medical malpractice. In the case of Erb's paralysis, you have to prove that the doctor's action or inactions caused your child to suffer an injury to the upper brachial nerves. This is a very common claim, which can result in a substantial settlement and lifetime treatment for your child.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, it's best to identify and treat the condition as soon as possible. If it is not treated the condition can progress to a permanent tightening of muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most commonly used treatments.
The Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners explore possible lawsuits and claims on behalf of children who suffer from brachial plexus injuries caused by medical malpractice during birth across the United States. We encourage families to ask for an assessment of their case and a free consultation.
While nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are trained to safely deliver babies however,
Erb's Palsy law firm complications may arise. When these complications occur the physician must act quickly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately some health professionals are not doing this.
A doctor may need to apply a certain amount of force during a difficult delivery to aid the baby in the birth canal. In doing so the doctor could accidentally stretch the neck of the baby, which may damage the nerves.
In addition to a physical exam doctors may also conduct various tests,
erb's Palsy law firm such as Xrays or ultrasounds to determine the extent of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor can prescribe medication to ease pain and discomfort as well as physical therapy or occupational therapy to restore motion.
Compensation
The cost of treatment for children suffering from the condition Erb's palsy can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit can give a family to have the financial capacity to pay for the treatment that they need. An experienced lawyer from Erb's Palsy will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.
If a child is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, the condition can affect all aspects of their lives. It can stop their ability to work and restrict the time they spend with their parents. It can also cause emotional distress.
Erb's palsy law claims may be claimed for the expense of treatment, the loss of earnings and impact that the injury could have on a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. It is also possible to claim for pain and suffering resulting from the injury, and the compensation paid will reflect this.
A successful case will prove that the obstetrician or the hospital was negligent. This can be demonstrated by demonstrating a departure from the established practice and how this resulted in the injury of your child. Every case is unique, and it may take a long time to settle an Erb's palsy lawsuit. Families should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit that is filed late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.