Virginia Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer
The brachial plexus, a network of nerves near the neck, is responsible for controlling the nerves in the arm. These nerves help infants move their arms, shoulders, hands, and fingers. When a child is born with Erb’s palsy, however, they will experience weakness and a loss of motion in the arms. A form of brachial plexus palsy, Erb’s palsy is a condition named after doctor Wilhelm Erb.
Erb’s palsy is common when the neck of an infant is stretched to the side during labor. Unfortunately, many cases of this condition are caused by the inability of a physician to use proper delivery techniques during a birth. If your child developed a birth condition, it may have been the result of healthcare negligence.
To learn more about the condition and its connection to medical malpractice, contact a Virginia Erb’s palsy birth injury lawyer today.
Erb’s Palsy Symptoms
Heavier babies and those who are delivered using vacuum devices or forceps are more likely to suffer from Erb’s palsy later on. This is because the additional pressure used to remove the child from the birth canal can stretch the brachial plexus and rupture crucial nerves.
Common symptoms of Erb’s palsy include paralysis in the arm, limited hand and finger movement, and a loss of sensation in the fingers and hands. After birth, a baby will often hold the impacted arm close to its body since they are unable to move the arm, hands, and fingers.
Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is often the result of complications during labor and delivery. When a doctor fails to use the proper delivery techniques or identify potential problems both before and during birth, patients may be more likely to have a child who suffers from a birth injury. Virginia physicians can play a role in a child developing Erb’s palsy in the following ways:
- They failed to deliver the baby adequately
- They used excessive pressure or force on the head, neck, or shoulder of the baby during delivery
- They failed to recognize that a cesarean section needs to be performed
These negligent mistakes by a medical professional can cause significant problems for a mother and her child. If a child is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, physical therapy and other medical treatments may be enough to fully eliminate the condition. Unfortunately, if therapy does not work, doctors may have to perform surgical procedures to repair the severed nerves.
Treating Erb’s Palsy in Virginia
Treating Erb’s palsy can be difficult and expensive. Physical therapy and surgical treatments can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a few years, and even with health insurance, many parents will still be stuck with outrageous medical debt. Additionally, the emotional and psychological toll Erb’s palsy takes on a family can be irreversible and devastating.
Fortunately, with the help of an Erb’s palsy birth injury representative, parents can hold negligent doctors and medical facilities responsible for their inaction or irresponsible decisions. Medical malpractice is often the cause of Erb’s palsy, and parents could be entitled to compensation for their losses.
How a Virginia Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
If your child suffers or suffered from Erb’s palsy, you may want to consider speaking to an attorney. Although this condition can usually be treated, the costs associated with treatment can be exorbitant.
If a physician’s carelessness is the cause of a medical condition, the responsible party should be held liable. Call a Virginia Erb’s palsy birth injury lawyer today to discuss your case today
