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 becomes essential in seeking recourse and 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.
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, resulting in Erb’s Palsy.
- Factors include 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. While not all cases of shoulder dystocia result in Erb’s Palsy, it remains a significant risk factor, emphasizing the importance of careful management during childbirth to prevent such complications.
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.
Also, proper positioning of the mother during labor and delivery can help reduce the likelihood of shoulder dystocia. During delivery, techniques such as controlled traction and maneuvers to dislodge the baby’s shoulder should be employed cautiously and only when necessary to avoid excessive force on the baby’s neck and shoulders.
Effective communication and collaboration among the medical team attending the birth are also essential to help ensure that the delivery proceeds smoothly and safely.
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. You can start by researching reputable law firms or seeking recommendations from trusted sources.
During your initial consultation with the birth injury attorney, please provide them with all the details of your case and any evidence you’ve collected. They will evaluate the merits of your claim and advise you on the best course of action moving forward. Suppose they agree to take on your case. In that case, they will guide you through the legal process, advocating on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Remember, seeking legal assistance can empower you and provide the support you need to navigate this challenging situation.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Erb’s Palsy Cases in Wilkes-Barre?
In Wilkes-Barre, a statute of limitations applies to Erb’s Palsy cases, both for parents and the affected child. Typically, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, including those involving Erb’s Palsy, ranges from two years from the date of injury.
For parents, the clock usually starts ticking from the date of the child’s birth or when they reasonably discovered or should have discovered the malpractice. For the child, the statute of limitations typically begins once they reach the age of majority, which is usually 18 years old.
However, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to understand the specific time limits applicable to your case and to ensure that you take appropriate legal action within the required timeframe. Waiting too long to pursue legal recourse for personal injury can result in losing the right to seek compensation for the harm caused by medical negligence.
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.
Free Consultation
Don’t wait any longer to take action – contact Munley Law today to schedule your free consultation and start the journey towards the justice and compensation you deserve.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
Wilkes-Barre Practice Areas
