At Simeone & Miller, LLP we understand the profound impact Erb’s Palsy can have on your child’s life and your family’s well-being. Serving Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we are committed to fighting for families affected by this tragic condition. Our experienced team will provide compassionate, effective representation and help you secure the compensation and resources necessary for your child’s care and recovery.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects one to two of every 1,000 infants. It is characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm. The condition arises from damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves near the neck that supplies movement and sensation to the arm, hand, and fingers.
This injury typically occurs during a difficult childbirth, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. The excessive force used to free the baby can stretch, compress, or tear the delicate nerves, leading to Erb’s Palsy.
Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy can vary from mild to severe, including loss of sensation in the affected arm, partial or complete paralysis, and, in some cases, an inability to move the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of recovery. With proper medical intervention, including physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery, many children can regain movement and function in their affected limbs. However, the journey to recovery can be challenging and prolonged.
Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy is primarily associated with complications during childbirth, often linked to medical negligence arising from several factors during delivery:
- Excessive force: The use of excessive force when pulling on the infant’s head or neck during delivery, especially in shoulder dystocia cases, can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
- Improper use of delivery tools: Instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors, if misused, can exert undue pressure on the baby’s head or neck, leading to nerve damage.
- Failure to perform a Cesarean Section: In situations where a C-section would be safer due to the baby’s large size or other complications, the failure to opt for a surgical delivery can result in Erb’s Palsy.
When medical negligence leads to Erb’s Palsy, affected families can seek compensation for the resulting physical and emotional damages—Trust Simeone & Miller to guide you every step and protect your rights.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Erb’s Palsy
The symptoms and diagnosis of Erb’s Palsy involve a spectrum of manifestations, primarily affecting arm mobility and muscle strength. Key symptoms include:
- Weakness or paralysis in one arm, noticeable shortly after birth.
- Decreased grip strength in the affected hand compared to the unaffected hand.
- Limited movement around the affected side’s shoulder, elbow, or wrist.
- Partial or complete loss of sensory function in the affected limb.
Diagnosing Erb’s Palsy typically involves a combination of physical examinations and medical imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to assess the extent of nerve damage.
Early Diagnosis is Crucial for Effective Treatment
Treatment options for Erb’s Palsy range from non-invasive therapies to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Physical therapy, focusing on exercises to improve strength and flexibility, is often the first step.
For more severe cases, nerve grafts or transfers may be necessary to restore function. The goal of treatment is to maximize arm function recovery, though the prognosis varies based on the injury’s severity and the treatment’s timeliness.
Why Choose Us?
At Simeone & Miller, we recognize the profound impact Erb’s Palsy can have on your child’s life and the entire family. Our team will provide comprehensive legal support and help you navigate the legal process. Trust us to handle all the details, including:
- Investigating the circumstances of your child’s birth to determine if medical negligence played a role.
- Gathering essential medical documentation and expert testimonies to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with healthcare providers and insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
We aim to alleviate the financial burden of ongoing care, therapy, and potential surgeries by helping you obtain compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and your child’s future needs.
With Simeone & Miller, you gain a compassionate ally committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for your family. Let us help you seek the justice and support you deserve so you can focus on your child’s recovery and well-being.
Talk To Our Washington, D.C., Birth Injury Attorneys Today
If your child is suffering from Erb’s Palsy due to medical negligence, contact Simeone & Miller for a free consultation to discuss your case, explore your legal options, and ensure a brighter future for your child.
Simeone & Miller, LLP is based in Washington, D.C., and also provides legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.