At birth, the delicate body of a newborn is susceptible to injuries that would not otherwise occur at future stages of development. One misstep by a medical professional can result in lifelong complications that can greatly affect the child’s quality of life. An example of one of these afflictions is Erb’s palsy, which can cause impaired movement in the affected hand and wrist. This impairment, sometimes called “waiter’s tip hand,” can place limitations on a child’s life before it has even begun. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition, it may be the result of medical malpractice that took place at birth. The Birth Injury Lawyers Group is here to fight on behalf of your family.
A Dearborn Erb’s palsy lawyer can investigate the details surrounding your child’s birth to determine if any attending medical professionals violated their duty of care.
Should an Erb’s palsy lawyer find that medical malpractice was present in your situation, some of the items your financial recovery may be able to cover can include:
- Medical bills, including corrective surgeries and assistive equipment
- Prolonged rehabilitative treatment
- Lost wages
- Emotional trauma
- Cost of lost opportunities for the child
- Pain and suffering
Our legal team performs services on a contingency basis. There are no upfront fees, hidden costs, or surprises when you work with us. We only get paid if we can successfully pursue your case. Otherwise, it is our loss. For more information, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529.
Erb’s Palsy Is Caused by Nerve Damage
Erb’s palsy affects the “brachial plexus,” which is the system of nerves located near the base of the neck that controls movement to the arm on that side. Unlike cerebral palsy, which can be linked to genetics, Erb’s palsy is solely caused by trauma sustained by the baby at birth.
During a difficult delivery, if the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal, the doctor may try to manipulate the child’s body to prevent asphyxiation. However, what can happen is that the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged against the mother’s pelvis, damaging the nerves responsible for arm movement. The doctor may also try to use forceps, a vacuum extractor, or other tools to try to deliver the baby, yet, excessive force may only contribute to the severity of the child’s condition.
Most cases of Erb’s palsy can be treated with physical therapy if caught early on. The rate of recovery for this condition is very promising, ranging anywhere from 80% to 96%. In cases where the nerves are completely broken or torn, the child may have a long road to recovery as a result of a doctor’s negligence.
Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we understand how concerned you must be for your child’s future. An attorney can help you pursue compensation so you can move forward with peace of mind. To find out more about your legal options during a free consultation, call us today at (800) 222-9529.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Identifying Erb’s Palsy in Your Child
You do not have a long time to seek damages regarding your child’s birth injury. How long ago the harm occurred and when it was discovered can determine how much time you have to act. The sooner you recognize the signs of Erb’s palsy in your child, the sooner your Dearborn Erb’s palsy lawyer can start pursuing damages on your behalf.
While some patients have more severe symptoms than others, Erb’s palsy can be recognized by:
- Increased rigidity and stiffness of the muscles in the arm or wrist
- Poor fine motor skills
- Decreased strength or muscle mass
- Muscle atrophy
- Deficient pain receptors due to damaged nerves
- A hand bent at the wrist, which does not slacken when lifted
If you are considering filing legal action, you should keep all records relating to your child’s diagnosis, including imaging scans, any prescriptions, or documentation of future treatment plans. One of the first elements your Dearborn Erb’s palsy lawyer will need to prove is that your child suffered an injury after receiving poor medical care. By holding onto relevant paperwork, you can support the validity of your child’s condition.
Dearborn Erbs Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Services an Erb’s Palsy Lawyer Can Provide
Once your child has an Erb’s palsy diagnosis, we can move forward in pursuing your damages. Your legal team will need to prove that the medical practitioner responsible for your child’s injuries breached the standard of care. What this means is that they acted in poor judgment or unethically compared to other doctors operating in the same field. For example, while your child was being born, your doctor may have employed techniques that another doctor in their position would not have, either because of the risk of harm or lack of effectiveness. This constitutes negligence.
To hold the responsible party at fault for your child’s injuries, we will:
- Collect evidence that shows recklessness
- Interview witnesses who were present at your child’s birth
- Review medical records and documentation pertaining to your child’s health condition
- Speak with field experts to determine whether your attending medical caregiver acted appropriately
- Negotiate with the other party’s representatives to come to a settlement agreement
- Outline the specific damages you want your compensation to cover
- Take your case to court if we cannot reach a fair solution
The legal world can be confusing. The last thing you need to worry about when you have a child suffering from Erb’s palsy is how you are going to pay for their care. If a medical professional has acted against the best interests of you and your child, they should be held responsible for their actions. Our goal is to get you the financial recovery you need to provide a good quality of life for your child.
To find out more about what the team at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group provides, call us today at (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."