Erb's Palsy Lawyers

The legal process is complicated however an experienced attorney can make it easier. Erb's palsy lawyers can also help clients obtain financial compensation for their child's future medical needs.

Parents should have peace of mind that their children will be cared for, even after suffering from a life-altering injury. Unfortunately it can be difficult when medical negligence is involved.

Preventable Birth Injuries

Although there are birth injuries because of factors beyond the doctor's control, such as the size and position of the pelvis fetus or birth canal, the majority of birth injuries are avoidable. Doctors are obliged to accurately assess a fetus's size and weight and suggest a C-section delivery when they believe the baby may be difficult to deliver vaginally. This can prevent injuries to both the mother and the fetus and can also reduce the need for medically required interventions.

If a doctor doesn't follow this duty it could result in injuries such as Erb's palsy or brachial plexus injuries. These injuries result from nerve damage in the arm or shoulder during birth. They often result in limitations in movement or palsy weakness of the area for the rest of the life of the child. Treatments for these ailments can be extremely expensive.

Families who suffer from these injuries typically require financial compensation to pay their costs. An erb's palsy attorney can fight to ensure that a family receives the maximum amount of compensation that is possible, which will alleviate their financial burden as well as ensure appropriate treatment for their child. A good erb's palsy lawyer will be upfront about whether or not your case is strong and work tirelessly for you.

Erb's Palsy - Causes

Erb's palsy is caused by injuries to the upper portion of nerves in the arm, referred to as the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for transmitting messages to muscles that allow them to move. If these nerves become damaged, they will be unable to conduct signals properly. The arm will not move well at all or at all. In most cases, the injury will heal over time. However some infants are permanently disabled.

Many cases of erb's palsy occur when the baby's shoulder is stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during birth, a condition called shoulder dystocia. The medical professionals who deliver the child have to exert force to free the shoulder, and this can stretch or tear the healthy nerves of the brachial complex.

Nerves injured by injury can be avulsed. This means that they completely break away from the spinal cord, neuroma, which means that the scar tissue exerts pressure on the nerve and stops it from transmitting signals, or neuropraxia which is when the nerves are stretched, but not torn. The longer that a nerve remains damaged, the more difficult it will be to heal.

To avoid shoulder dystocia the mother and doctor who is delivering the baby must discuss the ideal position for delivery of the baby and the best way to react in the case of a problem at birth. Unfortunately, a lot of cases of erb's palsy result from medical negligence by doctors and nurses who use too much force during the delivery process.

Erb's Palsy Treatment

For babies with Erb's palsy, their physical therapy will focus on regaining a range of motion in their hands and arms. Physical therapy is often paired with other treatments, like hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is helpful because it allows babies to exercise in an anti-gravity setting which eases the pain caused by muscle spasms.

Other treatments could include medication to lessen swelling and pain. A doctor could also employ healthy nerves from other areas of the body to replace damaged nerves. This can restore the arm's flexibility, feeling and support to the arm.

Newborns with Erb's palsy may need surgery to repair a ruptured brachial nerve. A ruptured nerve is the most serious form of Erb's palsy, resulting from one or more nerves being torn from their spine. Doctors may opt for surgery to reconnect the nerves that have been injured so that they heal. This procedure is typically successful and helps most children get back to full motion in their arms. However, some children may suffer permanent disabilities as a result of the injury.

Erb's Palsy Settlements

While some children suffering from linton erb's palsy lawyer palsy can overcome the limitations of the condition through regular physical therapy, many will require surgery to repair nerve damage. Fortunately the medical malpractice lawsuit process can allow families to obtain fair compensation for their child's injuries.

When you file a legal complaint your lawyer will collaborate with experts to determine what the treatment is likely to cost. This is referred to as case value. The value of your case will depend on how serious the injury is and the impact it has on your child's future. Your attorney will work to obtain life-care costs, future estimated medical expenses and other damages.

Your lawyer will send an official demand letter to the doctor or hospital responsible for your child’s injuries. The letter will describe your child's injuries and the way they resulted of medical negligence. The letter will also list the amount of compensation you're seeking.

The doctor who is at fault will then be able to negotiate a settlement. This is a cheaper alternative to going to trial. If your attorney can make an argument that is convincing that the medical professional at fault may be willing accept a settlement outside of court to avoid the negative publicity that is associated with an appeal. If a settlement is reached the money will be deposited into a trust to cover the medical treatment of your child and other necessities.