San Francisco Erb's Palsy Attorney

What Is Erb's Palsy?

Erb's palsy is a condition that affects the nerves in a newborn's upper arm. It is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that extends from the neck to the shoulder. The brachial plexus is responsible for controlling the muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, the child may experience weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.

Erb's palsy is a type of birth injury that can occur when a baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery. This is known as shoulder dystocia and it can cause the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.

It is a preventable condition that can be caused by medical negligence. If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. The San Francisco Erb's palsy lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Call (888) 831-8448 or contact us online for a consultation.

What Are the Symptoms of Erb's Palsy?

Erb's palsy is typically diagnosed shortly after birth. In some cases, the condition may be evident immediately. In others, it may take a few days or weeks for the symptoms to become apparent.

Common symptoms of Erb's palsy include:

• Weakness in the affected arm
• Loss of sensation in the affected arm
• Partial or total paralysis in the affected arm
• Arm bent at the elbow and held against the body
• Loss of muscle control in the affected arm

It is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination of the newborn. In some cases, additional tests may be ordered to determine the extent of the nerve damage.

What Causes Erb's Palsy?

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the brachial plexus nerves. This damage can occur when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery.

Several factors can increase the risk of shoulder dystocia and Erb's palsy, including:

• Maternal diabetes
• Maternal obesity
• Maternal pelvic abnormalities
• Post-term pregnancy
• Excessive maternal weight gain
• Excessive gestational weight gain
• Induced labor
• Use of forceps or vacuum extraction

Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If a doctor or other medical professional fails to recognize the signs of shoulder dystocia and take appropriate action, the baby may suffer a brachial plexus injury and develop Erb's palsy.

Can Erb's Palsy Be Treated?

The treatment for Erb's palsy will depend on the severity of the nerve damage. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own within a few months. In others, the child may require ongoing treatment and therapy.

Common treatments for Erb's palsy include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Range of motion exercises
• Massage therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Surgery

Physical therapy is the most common treatment for Erb's palsy. It involves a series of exercises and stretches that are designed to improve the child's range of motion and strengthen the affected muscles.

In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged nerves. Nerve grafts and nerve transfers are two surgical options that may be used to treat Erb's palsy.

How Can a Lawyer Help with an Erb's Palsy Case?

Erb's palsy is a preventable condition that can be caused by medical negligence. If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, we can help you:

• Investigate the cause of your child's Erb's palsy
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Work with medical experts to determine the extent of your child's injuries
• Calculate the full value of your child's damages
• Handle all negotiations with the insurance company
• Take your case to trial, if necessary

Our San Francisco Erb's palsy attorneys have a long track record of success in birth injury cases. We know how to build strong cases that get results.

Call for a Consultation

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. The San Francisco Erb's palsy lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Call (888) 831-8448 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our San Francisco Erb's palsy lawyer today.