Erb’s Palsy
Children suffering from Erb’s palsy display symptoms that primarily involve impaired motor control and often permanent paralysis in the arm and other muscle groups controlled by the brachial plexus. This nerve group controls all movement and sensation in the arm, and damage to the cluster during the developmental stages of infancy and early childhood can have lifelong consequences for a child.
A number of different accidents can cause damage to the brachial plexus and ultimately lead to Erb’s palsy, but many cases stem from medical malpractice taking place during childbirth. Delivering a child often requires the skilled manipulation of the infant within the birth canal, and improper handling can strain the nerve cluster in a manner that causes permanent damage and lifelong complications.
Medical Malpractice and Erb’s Palsy
There are several ways in which a doctor may fail to uphold the duty of care they owe a patient during childbirth, and subsequently create a situation in which Erb’s palsy develops. The following are some of the most common errors which lead to such a result:
- Pulling on the shoulders of the baby too firmly
- Improperly manipulating the shoulder dystocia
- Incorrect use of medical tools
- Improper timing of delivery procedures
If it can be demonstrated that the doctor failed to act competently during delivery, it is often possible to recover compensation for the enormous medical expenses that may result from such negligence.
Contact Us
At the Driscoll Firm, our experienced attorneys are committed to providing effective legal representation to the victims of medical malpractice, and will work diligently to help you resolve any legal dispute involving Erb’s palsy or other developmental disorders. To learn more about your legal rights and options for filing a lawsuit, call our offices today at (800) 900-7704.
