Bronx Erbs Palsy Attorneys
Giving birth should be one of the most thrilling times for a family. Unfortunately, that excitement can be tempered by unexpected complications, some of which are the result of medical malpractice. One of the most common complications is a birth injury known as Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial plexus palsy.
If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy, medical malpractice likely contributed to the condition. The New York lawyers of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. have been extremely successful in proving Erb’s palsy is a preventable birth injury. Call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Our experienced Erb’s palsy attorneys can help.
Erb’s palsy is an injury to the brachial plexus, a group of nerves that travels from the spinal cord through the arms and into the fingertips. The primary cause of brachial plexus injuries is excessive pressure to a baby’s neck or head during delivery, often happening when a baby’s shoulders get lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. The nerves may be stretched to varying degrees, the worst of which may result in a complete tear from the spinal cord. Erb’s palsy is paralysis of the shoulder or upper arm. Another birth injury, Klumpke’s palsy, is paralysis or reduced muscle control in the hand or wrist.
It is the responsibility of the doctor or obstetrician delivering a baby to recognize when a baby’s shoulder has gotten stuck under a mother’s pelvic bone and to go through a series of maneuvers that are designed to safely release the impacted shoulder. Unfortunately, such a situation causes many medical professionals to panic and improperly exert pressure on the baby’s head in an attempt to free the rest of the baby. It is this pressure or pulling that stretches the brachial plexus, damaging it and causing Erb’s palsy.
Erb’s palsy can be identified by a number of serious symptoms, including:
- Paralysis of the shoulders, arms or hands;
- Reduced muscle control in the shoulders, arms or hands;
- Loss of sensation in the shoulders, arms or hands;
- A misaligned or “winged” shoulder blade;
- Stunted growth of the arms or hands;
- Reduced strength in the arm or hands;
- Reduced fine motor coordination.
Several risk factors indicate a baby may be prone to a more difficult delivery. Thus, many cases of Erb’s palsy could have been prevented if the proper precautions had been taken prior to delivery. Doctors who follow accepted standards of medical care understand that special monitoring may be necessary when:
- The baby has a large pre-birth weight;
- The mother has a history of delivering large babies;
- The mother has pre-existing maternal diabetes;
- The mother has gained excessive weight during pregnancy;
- The gestation period has been abnormally long.
Parents of children with Erb’s palsy may be entitled to money to help pay for their child’s long-term medical needs. It is important to seek the qualified legal advice of an experienced Erb’s palsy attorney. An attorney who is skilled in dealing with cases of a similar nature knows the most effective path to recovering the damages you deserve and protecting the interests of your child.
The New York Erb’s palsy lawyers of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. have been successful in demonstrating that a brachial plexus injury can be avoided. Over the past 30 years we have successfully handled a multitude of cases like this – and we can help you. Doctors and hospitals who commit malpractice should be held accountable for their actions. Call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. We will fight for you!
