Watch Out: How Erb's Palsy Litigation Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Settlement of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit A settlement can be used to settle a medical negligence lawsuit without having to go through a trial. In most cases, the defendants pay a lump-sum amount to the plaintiff to compensate for their losses. Compensation varies greatly based on your situation and the laws of your state. erb's palsy law firm simi valley from the erb's friendsy will help you determine what your claim is worth. Breech birth The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, elbow wrist, fingers and wrist. These nerves can be injured during childbirth, causing arm paralysis. Erb's palsy is one type of brachial plexus birth trauma which can be minor or severe. It affects the upper nerves of the brachialplexus but does not usually prevent movement in the lower arms. Breech birth is when the feet of an infant come out in front of the head. This can cause a baby's shoulders to be encased in the birth canal during labor. In these cases doctors may need to pull on the baby's shoulders using forceps and vacuum tubes to pull them out of the birth canal. This can cause significant nerve damage and lead to erb's palsy. In less severe cases of erb's paralysis, the upper nerves in the brachial plexus stretch but do not tear. This is referred to as neuropraxia, and it should be healed on its own within some months. In more severe cases it is possible that the lower nerves within the brachial nerve plexus can be damaged. These injuries are more difficult to recover from and may lead to the formation of scar tissue known as a nerve, which may press on healthy nerve fibers and limit the recovery process. Gestational diabetes A mother who develops gestational diabetes can give birth to an infant who suffers from the condition known as macrosomia. The baby's fetus converts excess glucose into fat, resulting in an extremely large baby. Babies with larger sizes are at a greater risk of shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury as well as other birth injuries. Doctors must be vigilant when treating a woman suffering from gestational diabetes to check for signs of macrosomia. This means checking the mother's blood sugar, taking insulin, and then delivering the baby by C-section when needed. When a baby is born, the doctor's job is to deliver the baby without injuring the mother or the child. If the doctor causes Erb’s palsy by pulling too hard on the baby's shoulders or body, it could be medical negligence. The legal issues in this kind of case typically revolve around what the healthcare professional should have done and whether they breached their duty to act reasonably in the given circumstances. The victim could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and mental anxiety. The first step in filing an action is to set up an initial consultation with an experienced attorney. Dystocia in the shoulder In some cases, the baby's shoulders can become stuck between the pelvic bones during the birth. This is called shoulder dystocia and can be a serious birth complication. Erb's spalsy can happen when the nerves that control the shoulder and arm are damaged. In extreme cases, it can result in oxygen deprivation for the baby during delivery. Doctors are able to safely remove the baby from this position by using a variety. They can also perform the C section while the mother is in anesthesia which is safer for both the baby and the mother. This can cause an injury to the brachial-plexus when the doctor applies too much force or tension on the baby's head. This is a shoulder dystocia, or a type of Erb's palsy known as brachial birth palsy. This condition can cause an injury to the nerves connecting between the spine and the hand, arm and shoulder. It can result in a permanent loss of muscle movement and feeling however, it can also be temporary and recover within hours to months. Cephalopelvic disproportion CPD is when the baby's head is larger than the mother's pelvic cavity during labor. This condition requires assisted delivery methods, including vacuum extractors and forceps, to facilitate a vaginal delivery. This type of delivery can cause serious injuries to mother and baby, like Erb’s palsy. If a doctor suspects CPD they should prescribe medications like Pitocin to help the labor progress. To prevent serious complications, they should be prepared to perform Cesarean sections if necessary. Unfortunately, CPD cannot always be identified before labor commences. If a doctor notices labor isn't progressing as planned and they want to examine the pelvic bones of the mother and use instruments such as ultrasounds and radiologic pelmetography. They should also look for signs of CPD like an unrelenting or insignificant dilation or thinning of the cervix. If a doctor does not recognize CPD the child could be seriously injured during vaginal birth or be required to undergo an emergency Cesarean. Birth trauma A birth injury caused by medical negligence can cause a huge impact on the life of your child. It can stop your child from participating in specific activities, like playing sports or using their hands. It could also have an emotional impact. A successful birth injury lawsuit can provide families the compensation needed to pay for lifetime medical and treatment. It could also help force doctors to ensure the safety of patients and adhere to standard procedures. In certain instances it is possible that a brachial-plexus injury is caused by a doctor's mistake or omission during the delivery. The symptoms can include decrease in muscle movement, especially in the shoulder, arm and wrist. During a physical exam, doctors will look for indications of nerve damage as well as limited mobility in the area. They may perform a series of tests, including electromyography, to identify the injury. This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and may indicate damage to nerves. In the most severe cases of Erb's palsy, nerves have been completely cut off at their root (a condition referred to as avulsion). To regain movement, it's necessary to undergo surgery to splice healthy nerves, and graft them.