Erb’s Palsey Attorney Standing Up For Your Child
Erb’s palsy, sometimes known as Erb-Duchenne palsy, is a serious medical condition often caused by a brachial plexus injury during childbirth. Symptoms of Erb’s palsy include:
- Immobile arm and shoulder
- Arm bent inward, toward the body
- Arm weakness
- Paralysis
- Lack of sensation in the arm
- Lack of muscle control in the arm
Roughly one in every 1000 newborns will suffer Erb’s palsy. The symptoms will resolve in mild cases within a year of birth. Many times, however, the child will require physical therapy, exercise, and even surgery to alleviate the problem. In the most severe cases, the child will be left with a lifetime of physical limitations.
While there is nothing anyone could have done in many cases, some cases of Erb’s palsy can be traced to negligence by obstetricians or other delivery room staff members. If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy and you feel that negligence may have been to blame, John A. Caputo & Associates, P.C. is here to help you explore your rights and options. We have extensive experience handling birth injury malpractice claims for clients in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania.
What If Parents Suspect Medical Malpractice Caused Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy occurs during childbirth when the infant’s shoulder becomes lodged in the birth canal, a condition known as shoulder dystocia, and damage is done to the child’s brachial plexus nerves. If parents suspect that medical malpractice contributed to this birth injury, they can take action against the medical professionals to hold them accountable for their actions and negligence.
Parents should first consult with birth injury lawyers. These attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth. Our team will review medical records, interview witnesses and consult medical professionals to determine if the standard of care was breached during delivery.
A medical professional can also scrutinize the medical team’s preparation and monitoring throughout the labor and delivery. They can then assess whether proper protocols were followed and how swiftly and effectively they acted. Any deviations from established medical guidelines or failure to take necessary precautions can indicate a breach of the standard of care.
Medical malpractice can have lifelong consequences for the child, so parents should explore these claims. Proving negligence can help secure compensation to cover the child’s ongoing medical expenses, therapy and other costs associated with the injury. Economic compensation can also include:
- Costs for long-term care, assistive devices and modifications to the home to accommodate the child’s needs.
- Lost wages if the parents need to take time off work to care for their child
- Noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life for both the child and the family might also be considered.
Holding medical professionals accountable can prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, helping to ensure a higher standard of care for other families. This accountability helps create an environment where medical professionals are more diligent, reducing the likelihood of negligence.
Talk To An Experienced Lawyer About Your Erb’s Palsy Claim
To discuss your birth injury claim with an experienced Pittsburgh attorney, contact our law offices online or by telephone at 412-620-6361.