erb's palsy law firm bethlehem Firm
A child who has erb's paralysis can have devastating effects on families. If you believe that medical negligence was the cause of your child's injury to his brachial cord at birth, contact an lawyer from the erb's-Palsy firm for free consultation.
An attorney will review your case and estimate future medical expenses to calculate the estimated value of your case. This will assist in determining your claim value for a potential settlement.
Causes
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to a nerve bundle near the neck (the brachial plexus). These nerves are responsible for shoulder, arm and hand movement and sensation. Erb's Palsy can cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the shoulder and arm.
This condition is caused by a number of medical errors during birth and delivery. This includes the use of forceps, a premature C-section or a doctor using a vacuum extractor to deliver the baby vaginally. However, the majority of cases of erb's spalsy are entirely preventable. Doctors, nurses and midwives and other medical professionals, have a duty to maintain a high level of care in the birthing area. They must ensure that the baby's shoulders are delivered via the vaginal artery and they do not get stuck or become lodged in the pelvic bone of a mother's.
Researchers have suggested that the condition could be caused by contractions in the mother or the position of a pregnant woman. These theories haven't yet been proved. In order to win a case for medical malpractice, plaintiffs have to prove that the doctor's omission from the accepted standard of care caused their injury.
If you suspect your child suffered from an avoidable Erb's Palsy injury, a birth injury lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice. A successful lawsuit could award your family financial compensation for your child's medical costs and give you closure.
Diagnosis
Erb's palsy results from damage to the brachial plexus the nerve system in the shoulder and arm. The nerves could be stretched or torn due to a difficult delivery. The signs of this condition include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Doctors are responsible to properly diagnose this condition as soon as they can.
The most common reason is that there are difficulties during childbirth. It usually happens when the fetus's size is higher than expected for vaginal birth, or when the baby's shoulders are stuck during the delivery. This is called shoulder dystocia, and is a major risk factor for Erb's palsy.
When a doctor uses excessive force or fails in recognizing the shoulder dystocia, it may lead to injury of the upper nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb's Palsy is a result. If the doctor's negligence was to blame and acted in a negligent manner, they could be held accountable for any permanent harm.
To be able to win a medical malpractice claim you must show that the doctor's departure from accepted practice caused your injuries. For cases involving Erb's palsy, you must prove that the doctor's action or inaction resulted in your child suffering an injury to the upper brachial plexus nerves. This is a common case that can result in a substantial award and lifetime care for your child.
Treatment
In the majority of cases, sooner the condition is recognized and treated the better the outcome. If left untreated, the condition may progress to permanent tightening of the muscles (contractures) or even partial or full paralysis. The most commonly used method of treatment is physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
The seasoned Erb's Palsy lawyers at Marc J. Bern & Partners look into 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 seek an appointment for a free consultation and claim evaluation.
While doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained to deliver babies safely there are a variety of complications that can arise. Physicians must be quick to ensure the safety both of the child and mother in the event of complications. Unfortunately, a few medical professionals fail to take this step.
In the event of a complicated birth 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 gets stretched.
In addition to a physical exam doctors may also conduct a variety of tests, like X-rays and ultrasounds to determine the extent of an injury and the extent to the extent that a nerve has been damaged. Doctors can also prescribe various medications to ease pain and discomfort, and physical or occupational therapy to help restore movement.
Compensation
The cost of medical treatments for children suffering from Erb's palsy is often expensive. A successful lawsuit could allow a family the financial means to pay for the medical treatment they require. A lawyer who has experience in dealing with Erb's Palsy will increase the compensation that the family receives.
If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, the condition can affect every aspect of their lives. It can hinder them from working, it can limit the amount of time they can spend with their parents, and it can cause emotional trauma.
Erb's Palsy Law claims could be used to pay for the expenses of treatment, loss of earnings, and the effect the injury could affect a child's everyday activities. The amount of compensation will also reflect the suffering and pain the injury has caused.
A successful case will show that the doctor was negligent. This can be demonstrated by proving a deviation from the accepted procedure, and how this resulted in your child's injury. Every case is unique, and it could take a long time to win an Erb's-Palsy lawsuit. Families should speak with an attorney as soon as they can to avoid being late in filing an action. If a lawsuit is filed late, it could be barred by the Statute of Limitations.