Erb's Palsy Lawyers

An experienced attorney can help simplify the legal process. Erb's Palsy lawyers are able to help clients receive financial compensation for medical expenses in the future.

Parents should have peace of mind knowing that their children will be cared for, even if they suffer from a life-changing accident. This isn't easy to attain when medical malpractice is involved.

Prevention of Birth Injuries

Although there are birth injuries due to circumstances beyond a doctor's control like the size and position of the baby's pelvis or birth canal, the majority of birth injuries are avoidable. Doctors are required to accurately assess the size and weight of a fetus, and recommend a C Section when they believe the baby is too big to be delivered via vaginally. This helps prevent injury to both the mother and the fetus and can often prevent the need for medically-needed interventions.

When a doctor fails to adhere to this obligation and fails to follow the rules, it can result in injuries such as Erb's Palsy or brachial-plexus injuries. These injuries are caused by nerve damage to the arm or shoulder during the birth. Most often, they cause weakening or limiting movement in that body part for the rest of the life of the child. These conditions can be very expensive to treat.

Families affected by these injuries require financial compensation to help cover the costs. An erb's palsy lawyer palsy attorney can fight to ensure that families receive the most amount of compensation possible, which can alleviate their financial burden as well as aid in obtaining proper treatment for their child. A good erb's palsy lawyer will be honest about whether your case is sound and will work tirelessly on your behalf.

Erb's Palsy - Causes

Erb's Palsy is caused by the upper grouping of nerves in your arm, referred to as the brachialplexus, is injured. These nerves transmit messages to muscles that allow them to move. If these nerves are damaged, they're unable to send signals in a proper manner. The arm will not move well at all or at all. In many instances, the injury heals with time, but certain infants may be born with permanent disabilities.

Many cases of erb's palsy lawsuit paralysis occur when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during birth, a condition known as shoulder dystocia. The medical professionals who deliver the baby must exert pressure to release the shoulder, and it can cause strain or tears to the healthy nerves of the brachial complex.

The nerves may be avulsed, meaning they are totally separated from the spinal column or neuroma, where the scar tissue presses on the nerve, stopping it from sending signals – or neuropraxia - if the nerves have been stretched, but not ripped. The longer a damaged nerve persists in its damaged state, the more difficult it is to recover.

To avoid shoulder dystocia the pregnant mother and the doctor who is delivering the baby must discuss the best position to deliver the baby and how to respond in the case of a problem occurring during birth. Unfortunately many cases of Erb's palsy are caused by medical negligence on the part of nurses and doctors who apply too much force in the birthing process.

Erb's Palsy Treatment

Physical therapy for babies with Erb's Palsy will focus on enhancing the range of motion of their fingers and arms. Physical therapy is often combined other treatments, such as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is beneficial as it lets a baby exercise in an anti-gravity mode which can help ease pain from muscle spasms.

Other treatments include medicines that ease swelling and pain. A doctor may also use healthy nerves from different parts of the body to repair damaged nerves. This can improve the arm's flexibility, feeling and support to the arm.

A ruptured brachial-plexus might be required to treat Erb's Palsy that occurs in newborns. A ruptured nerve is the most serious form of Erb's palsy, resulting from one or more nerves being cut from their spine. The nerves damaged can be repaired by doctors to allow the nerves to heal. The procedure is generally successful and allows most children to resume full range of motion in their arms. However, Erb's palsy lawyer some patients have permanent disability as a result of the injury.

Erb's Palsy Settlements

Some children with Erb's Palsy will be able overcome the limitations brought on by the condition through regular physical therapy. Some will need surgery to repair the nerve damage. Fortunately the medical malpractice lawsuit process can help families obtain fair settlement for their child's injuries.

Your lawyer will consult with experts in order to estimate the likely cost of treatment. This is known as the value of the case. The value of your case will be based on the severity of the injury and the impact it has on your child's future. Your attorney will try to obtain life-care costs, future medical expenses that are estimated as well as other damages.

Your lawyer will send a demand notice to the doctor or hospital responsible for your child's injuries. The letter will explain the injuries suffered by your child and explain the way they resulted of medical negligence. The letter will contain the amount of compensation that you are seeking.

The doctor at fault will be able to negotiate an agreement. This is a more affordable alternative to a trial. If your attorney can present a strong case that is supported by the medical professional at fault, they might be willing to negotiate a settlement out of court with you and your child to avoid the negative publicity of a trial. The settlement funds will be put in an trust to fund medical treatment and other expenses of your child.