A child diagnosed with Erb’s ‘Palsy’ can cause devastating problems for families. If you suspect that medical negligence led to your child’s injury to his brachial cord during birth, contact a erb’s Palsy law firm for an initial consultation for free.
An attorney will review your case and calculate future medical expenses to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will help determine the value of your claim in a 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 movements and sensation. Patients suffering from erb’s palsy lawyer palsy experience weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one arm and shoulder.
This condition could result from a variety of medical errors during labor and birth for example, forceps usage, a C-section performed too soon or a doctor misusing a vacuum extractor during vaginal birth. However, a majority of cases of erb’s spalsy are completely preventable. Midwives, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals have a duty to uphold an excellent standard of care in the delivery room. They must ensure that the baby’s shoulders are delivered via the vaginal canal and do not become stuck or lodged into the mother’s pelvic bones.
Some researchers suggest that Erb’s palsy may be due to contractions during pregnancy or the position of pregnant women. However these theories haven’t been proved. In addition, it is important to note that to win a medical malpractice case the plaintiffs must prove that the doctor’s deviance from accepted practices was the primary reason for their injuries.
If you believe your child suffered from an preventable Erb’s palsy-related injury, a birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice. A successful lawsuit could give your family financial compensation to help pay for the medical expenses of your child and provide you with a sense of closure.
Diagnosis
Erb’s Palsy is caused due to injuries to the brachialplexus which is a network of nerves that run through the arm and shoulder. These nerves can become stretched or torn in the course of a difficult delivery. The symptoms of this condition are weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to diagnose the condition as soon as possible.
The most common reason is childbirth difficulties. This is typically the case when the size of the fetus is higher than expected for vaginal delivery or when the baby’s shoulders get stuck during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia, and it is one of the most significant risk factors for Erb’s palsy.
If a doctor applies excessive pressure or fails to identify shoulder dystocia, it could result in injury to the upper nerves of the brachialplexus. Erb’s palsy can result. The doctor is liable for any damage caused by negligence.
To be able to win a medical malpractice case, you must prove that the doctor’s deviation from the accepted practices caused your injuries. In the case of Erb’s palsy, you need to prove that the doctor’s action or inaction resulted in your child suffering an injury to the brachial plexus’s upper nerves. This is a common case that could result in a huge settlement and life-long treatment for your child.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, it is better to recognize and treat the condition whenever possible. If not treated, the condition may develop into permanent muscle tightening (contractures) and may lead to complete or partial paralysis. Surgery and sometimes physical therapy are the most common treatments.
Marc J. Bern & Partners, a seasoned Erb’s Palsy law firm, studies possible lawsuits and claims 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 assessment of their case and a free consultation.
While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely However, a variety of complications could arise. When these complications occur, a physician must act quickly to ensure the safety of mother and child. Unfortunately, many medical professionals fail to do this.
When a birth is complicated one may need to apply some force to aid the baby move through the birth canal. This could cause the baby’s nerves to be damaged in the event that the neck is accidentally stretched.
In addition to a physical examination doctors may also conduct various tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to determine the severity of an injury and the extent to which a nerve has been damaged. A doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate discomfort and pain and may also recommend occupational therapy or physical therapy to restore motion.
Compensation
The cost of medical treatments for a child with Erb’s palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit may help families to pay for the care they require. An experienced lawyer from Erb’s Palsy will try to maximize the amount of compensation a family could receive.
When a baby is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy it can impact every aspect of their lives. It can prevent their ability to work, it may limit the amount time they spend with their parents and it can cause emotional trauma.
Erb’s Palsy Law claims could be made to cover the costs of treatment, loss of earnings, and also the effect the injury could have upon a child’s daily activities. The compensation will also take into account 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 proven by proving a departure from accepted practice and that this resulted in the injury of your child. Each case is unique, and it can take a long time to be successful in a lawsuit against Erb’s Palsy. Families should contact an attorney as soon as they can to avoid missing the deadline for filing an action. A lawsuit filed too late could be deemed to be time-barred by the Statute of Limitations.
