Erb's Palsy Lawyers
An experienced attorney can help simplify the legal procedure. Erb's lawyers are also competent to assist clients in receiving financial compensation for any future medical requirements.
Parents should have peace of mind knowing that their children will be properly cared for, even after suffering from a life-changing accident. This can be difficult to attain when medical malpractice is involved.
Birth Injury Prevention
Many birth injuries can be prevented. While some are caused by factors beyond the control of doctors, such as the location and size of the pelvis or birth canal, some are not. Doctors are required to properly estimate the weight and size of a fetus and to suggest a C-section delivery when they think the baby will be difficult to deliver vaginally. This helps protect to both the mother and the baby, and may also avoid the need for medically needed interventions.
When a doctor fails to adhere to this rule, it may lead to injuries such as Erb's paralysis or brachial plexus injuries. These injuries occur when the nerves in the shoulder or arm are damaged in the course of delivery. These injuries can result in the body to become weak or restricted within the affected area of the body for the duration of the life of the child. These conditions can be very expensive to treat.
Families affected by these injuries require financial compensation to cover the expenses. An erb’s palsy lawyer can fight to ensure the family receives as much compensation as possible. This can reduce their financial burden and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment for their children. A reputable lawyer will be upfront about whether your case is strong and will work tirelessly for you.
Erb's Palsy - Causes
Erb's palsy is caused by injury to the upper group of nerves in the arm, called the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for sending messages to muscles that allow them to move. When these nerves become damaged, they are unable to send signals in a proper manner. The arm won't move at all, or at all. In the majority of cases, the injury will heal with time. However certain infants may be permanently disabled.
Shoulder dystocia is a common cause of Erb's palsy. It happens when the infant's arm gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone. The medical professionals who deliver the child must exert force to release the shoulder, and it can cause strain or tears to the healthy brachial plexus nerves.
The nerves can be avulsed which means they are torn completely from the spinal column or neuroma. In this case, the scar tissue presses on the nerve, stopping it from transmitting signals - or neuropraxia - when the nerves have been stretched but not cut. The longer the nerve is damaged the more difficult it is to heal.
Preventing a shoulder dystocia in labor requires communication between the mother-to-be and obstetrician regarding the most secure position for delivery and determining how to respond in case of difficulty during the birth. Many cases of erb's paralysis are due to medical carelessness by nurses and doctors who apply too much force during the birth process.
Erb's Palsy Treatment
For babies with Erb's palsy, their physical therapy will focus on regaining range of motion in their hands and arms. Physical therapy is often paired with other treatments like hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is beneficial because it permits a baby to exercise in an anti-gravity environment, which helps relieve the pain caused by muscle spasms.
Other treatments include medications that reduce pain and swelling. Physicians may also splice, or graft, healthy nerves from other parts of the body to replace damaged ones. This can restore the flexibility, feel and support to the arm.
A ruptured brachial-plexus may be necessary to fix Erb's Palsy that occurs in newborns. erb's palsy attorney lexington 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 which allows them to heal. This procedure is typically successful and allows children to recover full range of motion in their arms. However, some patients may have permanent disability due to the injury.
Erb's Palsy Settlements
While some children who suffer from the condition Erb's-Palsy can overcome the limitations imposed by the condition with regular physical therapy, many require surgery to repair nerve damage. Fortunately the medical malpractice lawsuit process can allow families to obtain fair compensation for the injuries suffered by their child.
Your lawyer will confer with experts in order to estimate the likely cost of treatment. This is called the case value. The value of the case will be based on the severity of the injury and how it affects your child's future. Your attorney will work to obtain life-care costs, future estimated medical expenses and other damages.
Your lawyer will then send an official demand letter to the hospital or doctor responsible for your child’s injuries. The letter will outline the injuries suffered by your child and explain how they are the result of medical negligence. The letter will include the amount of compensation you're seeking.
The doctor at fault is then able to negotiate an agreement. This is a cheaper alternative to going to trial. If your attorney can make an excellent case and the medical professional at fault may be willing make a deal outside of court in order to avoid the negative publicity that comes with a trial. The funds from a settlement will be put in an trust to fund medical treatment and other expenses of your child.