The delivery process is a tenuous and stressful time for many, and Erb’s palsy can exacerbate parents’ worry. Erb’s palsy often occurs during delivery when the neck of an infant is stretched to the side or when a physician applies excess traction on the head or shoulder during a difficult birth. With this disorder, the newborn is unable to move their shoulders, wrists, or fingers.
The vast majority of children who are born with Erb’s palsy will eventually regain movement. However, recovery often requires extensive physical therapy and surgeries. This may leave parents feeling helpless and unjustly burdened, especially if their child is suffering due to the carelessness of a doctor.
If your child was born with Erb’s palsy, it may be beneficial to talk with an experienced Washington DC Erb’s palsy birth injury lawyer to learn what can be done towards a potential claim and compensation. Schedule a consultation with a professional birth injury attorney today to get started.
Erb’s palsy is caused by trauma to the brachial plexus nerves, a series of nerves running from the spinal cord to the arm. Infants with Erb’s palsy may suffer from paralysis, weakness, and a loss of feeling in the arm. Children born with Erb’s palsy will need extensive physical therapy to regain maximum function of the impacted arm.
The condition is named after German neurologist Wilhelm Heinrich Erb, a leader in the field of medicine. It is relatively rare, but several factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include larger-than-average birth weights, breeched births, and delivery using vacuums or forceps.
Erb’s palsy can occur naturally, but it could also result from trauma sustained during birth. This trauma may be the result of medical malpractice, which is defined as the failure of a medical professional to provide a patient with a reasonable standard of care in comparison to other medical professionals in the field.
Medical malpractice can consist of actions or inactions before, during, and after childbirth. The following are common cases in which medical malpractice may be a cause Erb’s palsy:
During a breech birth, the infant comes out of the birth canal feet first instead of headfirst. This can place extra pressure on the neck, head, and shoulder of the child, increasing their chances of developing Erb’s palsy. A breech birth can usually be detected through ultrasounds in the weeks or days before labor. If a doctor suspects that a child may breech during delivery, the physician may schedule a C-section.
When the shoulder of a child lodges against the pelvic bone of the mother, the chances of a difficult delivery increase significantly. This extra pressure can also cause Erb’s palsy.
During breech births, it may take a mother too long to deliver her child. To speed up the process, a physician may utilize forceps or vacuums. Doctors must be trained to use these tools properly, as improper use can cause birth injuries and serious harm.
If medical malpractice causes a child to be born with Erb’s palsy, an experienced birth injury attorney in the area could help parents seek compensation.
If your child was born with Erb’s palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. However, malpractice lawsuits are often most successful when filed in a timely manner. Get in touch with a Washington DC Erb’s palsy birth injury lawyer immediately to discuss your child’s case.
