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Physicians and hospitals have a legal duty to abide by the standard of medical competence and skill in their community in the safe delivery of babies. When this duty is breached, birth injuries may result. Here at LawInfo.com, we make it our goal to keep the readers of this blog informed about things that may harm them and their babies. In the unfortunate event that they become injured, we offer an extensive list of qualified attorneys who can properly represent them. Below are some important facts about a common birth injury.
What is the Brachial Plexus
The Brachial Plexus is a nerve network that controls the movement and function of ones arm, hand, and fingers. When the Brachial Plexus gets injured during a child’s birth, the child is said to have Brachial Plexus Palsy.
What is Erbs Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a very serious form of a brachial plexus injury. It is an injury to the child’s shoulder dystocia that often occurs during the delivery of a baby. The baby’s shoulder usually becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone and cannot follow through when the head delivers. Shoulder dystocia can result in paralysis of the arm that may become permanent.
Common Signs of Erb’s Palsy:
- Total loss of muscle control and feeling in the arm or hand
- Total loss of shoulder or elbow function
- Total paralysis of the hand and fingers
- Facial paralysis
- Inability to sit upright without assistance
- Inability to crawl without therapeutic devices
How to Treat Erb’s Palsy:
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Surgical intervention
- If patients opt for surgery, they should do it when the child is 5 to 12 months of age for best results
Which Babies Have an Increased Risk of Erb’s Palsy?
- Babies who weigh heavy during birth
- Babies whose mothers have diabetes
- Babies whose mothers are Overweight
- Babies whose mothers are shorter in height
- Babies whose mothers have a contracted or flat pelvis
- Babies who are born after 40 weeks
How Can a Birth Defect Lawyer Help?
If your child suffers from a brachial plexus injury, he or she may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. Moreover, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the emotional and psychological distress which the birth injury has caused. You should consult with a birth defects lawyer to discuss your legal options. On this website you will find a list of qualified Erb’s Palsy attorneys who specialize in birth defect lawsuits.
