Erb's Palsy Law Firm

A child who suffers from Erb's Palsy could have devastating consequences for families. If you believe 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 to set up a no-cost consultation.

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

Causes

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to a bundle of nerves near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves regulate 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 birth, including forceps use as well as a C-section done too quickly, or a doctor not using a vacuum extractor properly during vaginal birth. However, a majority of cases of erb's syndrome are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical professionals have an obligation to provide the highest standards of care in the birth room. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered through vaginal canal, and they do not get stuck or lodged in the mother's pelvic bones.

Some researchers suggest that Erb's Palsy could be the result of contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. However these theories have not been proved. In addition, it is important to remember that in order to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the doctor's aversion to accepted practice was a direct reason for their injuries.

If you think your child suffered from an preventable Erb's Palsy injury, a birth trauma lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit can provide your family with financial compensation to help pay for the medical costs of your child and provide you with a sense of closure.

Diagnosis

Erb's syndrome is caused by damage to the brachial plexus which is a nerve network in the arm and shoulder. The nerves could be stretched or torn due to the difficulty of delivering. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to diagnose the condition immediately.

The difficulties of childbirth are the most common cause of this problem. This is typically the case when the size of the fetus exceeds than the normal vaginal delivery or when the baby's shoulders are snared during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It is one of the main risk factors for causing Erb's Palsy.

When a doctor uses excessive force or fails to identify the shoulder dystocia it can lead to injury of the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's palsy can result. If the doctor's negligence is the cause, he or she can be held responsible for any permanent damage.

To successfully file a medical malpractice lawsuit you must prove that the doctor's deviation from accepted practice caused your injuries. In the case where your child has Erb's Palsy the next step is to prove that the doctor was negligent or acted in a way that caused injury to the Brachial Plexus nerves. This is a common claim that can result in a substantial amount of money and lifelong treatment for your child.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, it is better to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as you can. Untreated, the condition can cause permanent muscle tightening (contractures) or even complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and physical therapy are the most commonly used treatments.

The highly experienced Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners examine potential claims and lawsuits for children suffering from brachial-plexus injuries caused by medical negligence during birth all over the United States. We encourage families to seek an appointment with a lawyer and assessment of their claim.

Despite the fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies in a safe and secure manner complications can happen. If these complications arise doctors must take action quickly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, a few health care professionals fail to do this.

A physician may have to use a certain amount force during a difficult delivery in order to assist the baby through the birth canal. This could cause the baby's nerves be damaged if the neck is accidentally stretched.

In addition to a physical exam doctors may also perform a variety of tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the seriousness of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor might prescribe medications to alleviate pain and discomfort and also occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore movement.

Compensation

The cost of treatment for children suffering from the condition Erb's palsy can be extremely costly. A successful lawsuit can allow families to pay for the treatment they require. An experienced Erb's palsy lawyer will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family can receive.

If a baby is diagnosed with the condition Erb's palsy it can affect every aspect of their lives. It could hinder the child from working, it may limit the amount time they can spend with their parents and it can also trigger emotional trauma.

Erb's palsy law claims can be made to cover the cost of treatment, the loss of earnings and the impact that the injury could affect a child's capacity to enjoy daily activities. The settlement will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.

A successful lawsuit will prove that the doctor who performed the obstetrics was negligent. This will be demonstrated by proving that there was an infraction to the accepted procedure and that the deviation resulted in the injury of your child. Every case is unique and it can take a while to win an Erb's Palsy lawsuit. It is imperative that families consult a lawyer sooner rather than later to ensure they don't have to miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.