The Challenges of Living With Erb’s Palsy

As a parent of a child who suffered a birth injury that caused Erb’s palsy, you know that he or she may be permanently disabled. Erb’s palsy is a condition that is caused by injury to the nerves in the brachial plexus, a network of nerves near the neck that provides movement and sensation to the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers. In some cases, the injury can impact the entire trunk. In most cases, the Erb’s palsy affects the spinal cord’s ability to send messages to the arm, wrist, hand, or fingers through normal nerve impulses.

Erb’s Palsy birth injury is generally caused by some type of difficulty during the birthing process. “Shoulder dystocia” is the term often used when the shoulder(s) get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bones, preventing delivery of the baby. Physicians are trained to handle this situation by implementing a variety of maneuvers to prevent injury to the nerves in the shoulder. The maneuvers do not involve manipulating the baby’s head. However, if these maneuvers are performed improperly, or downward force is applied while the shoulders are stuck, the nerve roots can stretch or even tear, resulting in an Erb’s Plasy.

What You Need to Know About Coping with Erb’s Palsy

Living with Erb’s Palsy can be a serious challenge – both for the victims and their families. Below are four important things you need to know when it comes to individuals living with Erb’s Palsy:

• Children and families living with Erb’s Palsy need tremendous amount of support in order to cope with this life-long medical condition. It may be worthwhile to find support groups in your area to help you deal with the ramifications of this condition.
• It is important for children living with Erb’s Palsy to meet and interact with other children who have the same condition. This will allow the children to learn from each other and be inspired by one and another.
• It is important that you share your story. Whether you are living with Erb’s Palsy or have a loved one who is living with the condition, your stories can help others living with the condition. Sharing can also be used as a means to open doors for you and your loved one.
• Costs associated with Erb’s Palsy can add up quickly. Medical expenses, lost income and loss of livelihood can significantly impact your life. If your child has suffered a birth injury such as Erb’s Palsy as a result of the negligence of a medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced NYC medical malpractice attorney can protect your legal rights and help you obtain the full compensation that you deserve.

Call a New York Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered additional injuries due to a misdiagnosis by a medical professional, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to consult with one of our experienced New York medical malpractice attorneys, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.