Erb’s palsy, a condition stemming from birth injuries, can profoundly impact a person’s life, requiring extensive medical care and support. If a loved one has been affected by Erb’s palsy, speak with a Wilkes-Barre birth injury lawyer to understand the legal avenues available and seek accountability.
An Erb’s palsy lawyer isn’t just a legal expert but also understands the medical side, which can make a difference during a tough time like this. Whether you’re trying to figure out your rights or how to get compensation, they’re there to guide you through the process.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus palsy, which is a network of nerves near the neck. These nerves provide movement and feeling to the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. When the brachial plexus nerves are injured, it causes arm weakness and loss of motion.
Erb’s palsy typically occurs during childbirth. It’s often the result of excessive stretching or pressure on the baby’s neck and shoulders during delivery, which can damage the nerves that control arm movement. This can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm, making it challenging for individuals to use or control it. It can also appear alongside conditions like cerebral palsy and related birth injuries.
While the severity of Erb’s palsy can vary, it can significantly impact a person’s daily life, requiring ongoing medical care and therapy to manage symptoms and improve mobility. Understanding what Erb’s palsy entails is important for those affected and their families, as it helps them seek appropriate medical treatment and support to cope with the condition’s challenges.
What Are the Causes of Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy typically occurs due to complications during childbirth. Causes may include:
- Difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder after the head has emerged. Excessive force or traction applied by medical professionals to free the baby’s shoulder can lead to stretching or tearing of the nerves in the neck.
- Factors such as a large baby size, prolonged labor, or an abnormal birthing position.
- Shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery, increasing the risk of nerve injury.
Is Erb’s Palsy Preventable?
One critical effort to prevent Erb’s palsy is prenatal care, where healthcare providers monitor factors such as the baby’s size and the mother’s health to anticipate potential challenges during delivery.
Proper positioning of the mother during labor and delivery can help reduce the likelihood of shoulder dystocia. Techniques such as controlled traction and specific shoulder-release maneuvers should be employed cautiously and only when necessary.
Effective communication and collaboration among the medical team during birth are also essential to ensure a smooth and safe delivery.
While Erb’s palsy cannot always be prevented, these proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk, promoting better outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
What Do I Do If I Suspect Medical Malpractice?
If you suspect medical malpractice in an Erb’s palsy case, taking action is important to protect your rights and hold anyone who was negligent accountable.
The first step is to gather relevant medical records, including documentation of the childbirth and subsequent treatment. These records will serve as key evidence in assessing the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Next, consult with a Wilkes-Barre medical malpractice lawyer who specializes in birth injury and Erb’s palsy cases. During your initial consultation, provide all details and evidence so the attorney can evaluate your claim and advise on the best course of action.
If they agree to take your case, your attorney will guide you through the legal process, advocating on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Erb’s Palsy Cases in Wilkes-Barre?
In Wilkes-Barre, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, including those involving Erb’s palsy, typically ranges from two years from the date of injury.
For parents, the clock usually starts on the date of birth or when malpractice was—or should have been—discovered. For the individual affected, it typically begins upon reaching the age of majority (18 years old).
Consult a knowledgeable birth injury attorney at Munley Law to understand the exact deadlines for your case and ensure you take action within the required timeframe.
Contact Your Wilkes-Barre Erb’s Palsy Lawyer at Munley Law
At Munley Law, our experienced team understands the complexities of Erb’s palsy cases and is committed to fighting for your rights. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers or an individual affected by Erb’s palsy, we’re here to offer compassionate support and expert legal guidance every step of the way.
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Don’t wait any longer to take action—contact Munley Law today to schedule your free consultation and start the journey toward justice and the compensation you deserve.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on May 15, 2025.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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