There are few types of injuries that are more devastating and impacting to a person’s life than the birth injury Erb’s palsy. It is a condition of partial or complete paralysis of a child’s arm that can result from inattention during the birthing process.
If your child has Erb’s palsy from medical malpractice at a Pennsylvania hospital or by a medical professional, it is important to seek out recompense from the offending party. This will require legal action and the filing of a medical malpractice claim. As Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys, we can help you find a solution and pursue the best possible outcome to the unfortunate situation.
Although the effects of the medical practitioner’s negligence may never be undone, you deserve to be compensated for the damages caused to your family. Our goal during the Pennsylvania Erb’s Palsy case will be to hold the liable party responsible and obtain the maximum amount of compensation available.
Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Typically, Erb’s palsy is caused during the birthing process, but it can also occur later on in life. During childbirth, the newborn’s shoulder can get stuck on the mother’s pelvic bone. This prevents the baby from easily exiting the birth canal. Referred to as, “shoulder dystocia,” it is an emergency situation that requires proper medical care.
The doctor or midwife will need to free the newborn’s shoulder in one of the following manners:
- Maneuvering the position of the baby
- Maneuvering the position of the mother
- Breaking the bay’s collarbone
- Breaking the mother’s pelvic bone
- Performing an emergency cesarean section
If the doctor or midwife acts negligently and uses heavy amounts of force, damage can be caused to the baby’s delicate nerves. The result can be temporary or permanent paralysis to the baby’s arm.
Who is Responsible for Damages When Erb’s Palsy is Caused by Medical Negligence?
Our Pennsylvania hospital malpractice attorneys can assess your situation to determine what party should be held liable for the damages. It is important to not wait too long, however, since time limitations are in place.
Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. achieved a Best Law Firm rating by U.S. News & World Report in the areas of medical malpractice law and personal injury law from 2016 until the rating was discontinued in August 2023. Contact our Pennsylvania birth injury lawyers today to begin your road to financial recovery for you and your family.