The excitement surrounding the birth of a child can be quickly impacted by avoidable harm inflicted during delivery. Sometimes, these injuries can result in lifelong disabilities. One of these conditions, known as Erb’s palsy, can lead to paralysis in one of the baby’s arms. If left untreated, the child may lose the free range of motion in the affected limb, preventing them from effectively typing, lifting, and engaging in athletic activity.
If your child has been the victim of a birth injury and has been subsequently diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, you may be able to pursue compensation to cover the cost of their medical care. For a free consultation, call one of our Surprise birth injury lawyers today at (800) 222-9529.
Medical Malpractice Can Result in Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy can result directly from a medical practitioner’s error during the birthing process. When excessive force is used to pull the baby from the birth canal, there can be a strain placed on the nerves leading from the neck to the shoulder, resulting in the limited mobility or paralysis of one of the arms.
Some causes for Erb’s palsy include:
- Improper use of tools to deliver the child (such as forceps or a vacuum extractor)
- Heavy birth weight
- The second stage of labor lasting more than 60 minutes
- Breech birth
- Preexisting conditions overlooked before delivery
If your child’s condition has been caused by the error or poor judgment of a medical caregiver, you may feel unsure of what you can do next. Speaking with a member of our team from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you navigate the legal process and assist in determining your next steps.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Facts About Erb’s Palsy
A child can be diagnosed with Erb’s palsy in the days following their birth. The primary symptom is sometimes referred to as “waiter’s tip hand.” This describes a condition in which the baby’s arm hangs limply from the shoulder, and there is limited mobility in their wrist and fingers. Erb’s palsy stems from damage done to the brachial plexus during delivery. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves beginning at the base of the neck that controls the movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands. Any harm to these nerves can result in impairment or paralysis.
The severity of damage to your child’s nerves may affect the outcome of your settlement, as each type of palsy will require a different level of care. It is important to keep all documents regarding your child’s medical history and treatments, as this will prove helpful if you decide to pursue litigation.
Surprise Erbs Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Treatment for Erb’s Palsy
If your child is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, they may have trouble performing various fine motor skill movements, such as writing or using simple tools. According to a study on who’s to blame and what will happen with Erb’s palsy, the recovery rate can be anywhere from 80% to 96%, depending on how the child improves in response to medical treatment.
This can be achieved through any one of the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nerve graft
- Nerve transfer
- Muscle transfer
- Pain control
These treatments are costly and may be completely unaffordable to those without health insurance. At the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we believe that the medical caregiver who is responsible for your child’s condition should pay for the cost of their treatment. Call us today at (800) 222-9529 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
What Your Settlement May Cover
Erb’s palsy can be a frightening diagnosis that can leave you unsure about your child’s future. When you choose to work with the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we take on your legal burden so that you can spend more time with your family. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth and determine the cause of their impairment. Our dedicated team can then assign accountability to the liable party and begin negotiating toward the settlement you deserve. Parties that we can hold accountable can include the medical team responsible for your prenatal care, the caregivers who assisted in the delivery, or the facility where the birth took place.
Depending on the unique circumstances of your child’s injury, our Erb’s palsy lawyers serving Surprise can pursue compensation on your behalf that may cover:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages when caring for your child
- Reduced earning capacity
- Cost of ongoing therapy
- Loss of future opportunities for your child
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These types of treatments can create a financial burden that can strain a family’s resources. We want to help. We can fight for your right to compensation so that you can ensure a good quality of life for your child.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
We Can Fight for Your Family in Surprise, AZ
Medical practitioners are held to a high standard of care when they assist a mother and child during birth. They are bound to a code of ethics to inflict no harm to any patient under their care, whether it be in poor judgment, lack of skill, or carelessness. Families in Surprise, AZ, who request our services, are always met with compassion and support.
Based on the statute of limitations in your state, you may have a limited amount of time to file your claim. A member of our team familiar with Arizona law can help you understand how certain dates may apply to your case. We are standing by to hear from you. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529 to learn more about the services we provide.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."