Erb’s palsy is often preventable. This birth injury can leave your newborn with lasting concerns about strength, range of motion, and movement in the affected arm. If your child sustained a birth injury and received an Erb’s palsy diagnosis, you may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible doctor or hospital.
For a free case review, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529. You may be eligible to file a medical malpractice birth injury claim or file a lawsuit with the assistance of a Denver birth injury lawyer to recover compensation.
Restoring Function and Understanding Your Child’s Prognosis After Erb’s Palsy
Some children with Erb’s palsy recover quickly with only observation and physical therapy. However, treatment of more serious brachial plexus injuries is complex because it requires addressing the damaged nerves as well as other affected parts of the arm, such as the bones, muscles, and tendons. In many cases, it takes a team of specialists to help the child recover and live the most normal life possible.
In general, it is difficult or impossible to know shortly after birth how serious Erb’s palsy will be in any particular infant. Some will heal fully, and others will require surgery. To determine which is which, the only thing doctors can do is monitor the baby closely.
Treatment plans may look something like the following.
Initial Observation and Physical Therapy
Initially, there will likely be a period of monitoring the child’s progress. This will begin a few weeks after birth or diagnosis. Generally, the doctor or therapist teaches parents how to perform exercises on the baby to maintain range of motion and prevent joints from getting stiff.
The doctor will see the child regularly. Many children show marked improvement during this time. Most do not need additional intervention.
Surgery if Necessary
After monitoring the baby for three to six months, the doctor will have a much better idea of the necessary treatment. If there is little or no improvement by this time, they will likely recommend surgery to determine the issue and attempt to repair the nerves. This surgery usually occurs before the baby’s first birthday.
Follow-up and Therapy
Following surgery, it can take up to two years for the nerves to recover and begin functioning properly. During this time, physical therapy will likely continue. The doctor may see the child every 12 weeks for about two years, or until they are satisfied with the child’s recovery.
Ongoing Therapy and Care
In some cases when children have surgery, they require ongoing therapy and support. Young children are very adaptable. Physical and occupational therapy may allow them to learn new ways to do things or gain skills they would not be able to otherwise. Despite treatment and therapy, some children will require ongoing support for some tasks.
If your child suffered a brachial plexus birth injury, reach out to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today by calling (800) 222-9529. Case reviews are always free for families whose child suffered a preventable birth injury.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
A Lawyer Can Support Your Denver Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury Claim
If you can prove that your child sustained a preventable brachial plexus injury and now requires treatment for Erb’s palsy, you most likely qualify to take legal action and can file a medical malpractice birth injury case. Your Denver Erb’s palsy lawyer can help you collect evidence to support your claim and build your case.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for damages that include:
- Current and future medical care, including monitoring, surgery, and follow-up
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other prescribed therapies
- Adaptive equipment as needed
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your child’s diagnosis and treatment
- Your child’s pain and suffering
- Other noneconomic damages
The key to proving medical malpractice cases often lies in having a medical expert witness who can testify to what should have happened during delivery, whether that was calling for a cesarean section (c-section), using a different technique, or taking other steps to prevent your child’s injury. Your attorney will identify an expert to review your case and testify on your behalf when necessary.
To learn more about your rights and to get started on your case, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group now at (800) 222-9529. We are here to help.
Denver Erbs Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Colorado Law Limits How Long You Can Wait to File a Birth Injury Suit
There are strict time limits that apply when it comes to filing a lawsuit in Colorado. However, it is not always clear what those time limits are without knowing the specific facts of your case. This is especially true for birth injury cases.
Colorado’s statute of limitations generally gives the victims of medical negligence a time limit on filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. The countdown begins when they discover the malpractice. However, there is also a statute of repose that might apply, putting an ultimate deadline on taking action. At the same time, tolling may be possible because the victim was a newborn.
Any or all of these factors could apply in your case, depending on the facts of your case. To learn how long you have to take legal action, you should seek assistance from an attorney who handles Denver birth injury cases regularly.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
A Denver Erb’s Palsy Lawyer Can Assist With Your Child’s Case
If your child suffered a brachial plexus birth injury and is undergoing treatment for Erb’s palsy, you may be able to take action against the Denver doctor, care provider, or hospital that caused their injury. A birth injury medical malpractice attorney may be able to build a case to support your claim or lawsuit.
Get help today by calling the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529. Your child’s diagnosis qualifies you for a free case review and consultation.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."