7 Things About Erb's Palsy Legal You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Erb's Palsy Lawyers
The legal process can be complex, but an experienced attorney can make it easier. Erb's lawyers are also competent to assist clients in receiving financial reimbursement for future medical expenses.
Parents should have peace of mind that their children are taken well even if they experience an accident that can change their lives. This isn't easy to accomplish when medical malpractice is involved.
Prevention of Birth Injuries
While there are some birth injuries that happen due to causes beyond the physician's control such as the size and position of the pelvis or birth canal, a lot of other birth injuries are avoidable. Doctors are required to accurately determine the weight and size of a fetus and recommend a C Section when they believe the baby is too large to be delivered vaginally. This helps protect to both the mother and the fetus and often avoids the need for medically required interventions.
If a doctor does not adhere to this obligation it could result in injuries such as Erb's palsy or brachial-plexus injuries. These injuries are caused by nerve damage to the arm or shoulder during birth. These injuries can cause limitations or weakness in the affected part of the body for the duration of the life of the child. These ailments can be very costly to treat.
Families that suffer from these injuries need financial compensation to cover the costs. An attorney for erb's palsy can fight to ensure that families receive the highest amount of compensation that is possible, which will alleviate their financial burden as well as assist them in obtaining the proper treatment for their child. A good erb's palsy lawyer will be upfront about whether or not your case is solid and work tirelessly for you.
Erb's Palsy - Causes
Erb's palsy is caused due to damage to the upper group of nerves in the arm, called the brachial plexus. These nerves transmit messages to muscles that allow them to move. If the nerves are damaged, they cannot communicate properly, and the arm cannot move well or at all. In most cases, the injuries heal over time, but certain infants may be born with permanent disability.
Shoulder dystocia is a common cause of Erb's psy. It is caused when the baby's arm becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. The medical professionals who deliver the child must exert pressure to release the shoulder, which could stretch or tear healthy nerves in the brachialplexus.
The nerves can be avulsed - meaning they are completely separated from the spinal column - or neuroma. This is when the scar tissue presses the nerve, preventing it from sending signals or neuropraxia - if nerves have been stretched but not torn. The longer damaged nerves remain and the longer it takes to recover.
To avoid shoulder dystocia, the mother and doctor must discuss the ideal position for delivery of the baby and what to do in the event of a complication during birth. Unfortunately many cases of erb's palsy result from medical negligence on the part of nurses and doctors who use excessive force during the birthing process.
Erb's Palsy Treatment
Physical therapy for babies with Erb’s palsy will focus on improving the range of motion in their arms and fingers. Physical therapy is often combined with other treatments, like hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is beneficial because it allows children to exercise in a gravity-free environment that eases pain caused by muscle spasms.
Other treatments could include medication to lessen swelling and pain. A doctor could also employ healthy nerves from other parts of the body to replace damaged nerves. This can restore the flexibility, feel and support to the arm.
Newborns suffering from Erb's Palsy may require surgery to repair a ruptured brachial-brachial plexus. A ruptured nerve is the most serious type of Erb's paralysis, resulting from one or more nerves being pulled from their spine. Doctors can perform surgery to reconnect injured nerves, allowing them to heal. This procedure is typically successful and helps most children return full range of motion in their arms. Some patients may suffer permanent disability as a result of the injury.
Erb's Palsy Settlements
While some children who suffer from Erb's palsy can overcome the limitations caused by the condition with daily physical therapy, a majority will require surgery to repair nerve damage. Medical malpractice lawsuits can help families receive the right amount of compensation for their child's injuries.
When you file a legal complaint, your lawyer will work with experts to determine what the treatment will cost. This is known as the value of the case. The value of the case will depend on the extent of the injury and the impact it has on your child's future. Your lawyer will help obtain life-care costs and future estimated medical expenses as well as other damages.
Your lawyer will send an official demand letter to the hospital or doctor responsible for your child’s injuries. The letter will outline the injuries your child sustained and the way they were caused by medical negligence. The letter will include the amount of compensation that you're seeking.
erb's palsy attorney roanoke who is at fault will have the option to negotiate a settlement. This is a less expensive alternative to a trial. If your lawyer has an argument that is convincing the medical professional who is at fault may be willing to settle without courtroom battles with you and your child to get rid of the negative publicity associated with a trial. The settlement funds will be put into an trust to fund medical expenses and other costs of your child.