Charlottesville Erb’s Palsy Attorney
Expecting parents have one hope: that their child will be born without any injuries or illnesses. As such, learning that a child has Erb’s palsy as a result of an error made during the birthing process can be heartbreaking. At the law office of MichieHamlett, our Charlottesville Erb’s palsy attorney knows how devastating learning of a newborn’s injuries is, and can help you to file a birth injury claim if you believe that the doctor who delivered your child is to blame. For your free consultation, please call us directly today.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus refers to a connection of nerves, located near the neck and the top of the shoulder, that give rise to the rest of the nerves in the arm, shoulder, wrist, hand, and fingers. A brachial plexus injury refers to weakness or partial or complete paralysis to a part of the shoulder or arm as a result of nerve damage.
Erb’s palsy specifically refers to a brachial plexus injury where the upper nerves of the brachial plexus are impacted. As such, the infant will likely be able to move their hands, wrists, and fingers, but may be unable to move their shoulder. In contrast, when the whole arm is impacted, the injury is referred to as a total brachial plexus injury.
Treatment for Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy can initially be very alarming. The good news, however, is that most children will fully recover, and the weakness in one arm, loss of feeling in the arm, or partial or total paralysis of the arm will only be temporary. While it may take up to two years for a complete recovery, most newborns will recover on their own without the need for therapy or surgery. Of course, there are some cases where injuries are severe enough that more intensive or invasive treatment is required.
Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy and other brachial plexus injuries are usually the result of a difficult delivery. This may happen when the baby gets stuck in the birthing canal as a result of a breech delivery, prolonged labor, and narrower-than-average pelvis of the mother, or a larger-than-average baby. If a doctor pulls on the child’s neck, head, or shoulder in order to attempt to free them from the birth canal, a brachial plexus injury may occur. While assistance during delivery may be necessary, the unreasonable or excessive use of force is a common cause of brachial plexus injuries, and may constitute medical malpractice.
Get Help from Our Charlottesville Erb’s Palsy Attorneys
If your baby has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy and you believe that the injury could have been prevented but for your doctor’s malpractice, you need an attorney. Our Charlottesville Erb’s palsy attorneys at the law office of MichieHamlett can investigate your case, work with experts, make a recommendation about how you should proceed, and represent you during the claims process. We offer free consultations and can start working on your case immediately. Call today to learn more.
