Erb’s Palsy: Causes And Consequences
While some cases of Erb’s palsy are simply unavoidable, a careful investigation of the circumstances of this birth injury will sometimes reveal that it is the result of medical malpractice on the part of an obstetrician or another medical practitioner. When the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck against the mother’s pubic bone during labor and delivery, a condition referred to as “shoulder dystocia,” it becomes necessary for the doctor to perform emergency maneuvers to dislodge the shoulder and pull the baby out. Such maneuvers require extreme care and precaution, as the use of excessive force in pulling on the child’s head can result in a brachial plexus injury in which the nerves in the lower neck and shoulder are stretched, torn, or even ripped out at the root.
Erb’s palsy is characterized by limpness or even full paralysis in the affected arm. Depending on the severity of the injury, the condition may resolve on its own or with minor intervention such as by performing physical therapy exercises with the child. In more serious cases, however, it might be necessary to perform surgery to repair the nerves using grafts from other areas of the body or by reattaching the nerve roots. Such surgery may or may not result in a full recovery. In addition to partial or total paralysis, Erb’s palsy can result in muscle atrophy and stunted growth.
Contact An Experienced New York Erb’s Palsy Lawyer Today
Contact us at The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny as soon as possible when you have reason to believe your child’s brachial plexus palsy may be the result of medical negligence. Our Erb’s Palsy lawyers have been successful in recovering more than $100 million in the form of insurance settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of clients, and we are ready to begin working on your birth injury case immediately. Through the use of expert medical testimony and effective legal argumentation, we may be able to help your family receive compensation for all your child’s medical expenses, lost future income, and pain and suffering. Let us help you hold the doctor accountable for causing your child’s birth injury.
