Settlement of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
A settlement is a method to settle a medical malpractice lawsuit without having to go to trial. In most instances, the plaintiff receives an amount in one lump sum from the defendants to help cover their expenses.
The amount you are awarded can vary according to your circumstances and the laws in your state. An experienced lawyer from the Erb's Palsy can help you understand what your claim is worth.
Breech birth
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that transmits signals from your spinal cord to your elbow, shoulder and fingers. If the nerves are injured during childbirth, it might cause arm paralysis. Erb's Palsy is one type of brachial-plexus birth trauma that can be mild or serious. It affects the upper part of the nerves that are located in the brachial plexus and usually does not hinder the movement of the lower arms (like wiggling the fingers).
Breech birth is a birth where an infant's feet emerge first, instead of its head. This can cause a baby's shoulders get lodged in the birth canal during labor. In these cases doctors must frequently use forceps or vacuum tubes to take the shoulders of a baby out of the birth canal. This could cause nerve damage that can lead to erb’s palsy.
In less severe cases of erb's syndrome the nerves that run through the brachial plexus are stretched, but don't tear. This condition is called neuropraxia, and it should be healed on its own within several months. In more severe cases, the lower nerves of the brachialplexus may also be damaged. These injuries are more difficult to heal from and may lead to the formation of scar tissue, known as a neuroma. These can press on healthy nerve fibers, limiting the healing process.
Gestational diabetes
A woman who is diagnosed with gestational diabetes can give birth to a baby with the condition known as macrosomia. erb's palsy lawyer league city happens when the baby's fetus turns excess glucose into extra fat, which results in an extremely big baby. The babies who are born with this condition are at higher risk of developing shoulder dystocia, brachial-plexus injury and other birth injuries.
Doctors must be on guard when treating a woman who has gestational diabetes to look for signs of macrosomia. This includes checking the mother's blood sugar levels, taking insulin, and then delivering the baby via C-section, if required.
The role of the obstetrician in childbirth is to give birth safely without causing injury to the mother or child. If the doctor causes Erb's palsy by putting too much pressure on the baby's shoulders or body, this may be considered medical negligence. The legal issues in this type of case are usually centered around what the healthcare professional should have done and if they acted in breach of their duty to act in a reasonable manner under the circumstances. The victim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental suffering. The first step to file an action is to schedule the free consultation of an experienced attorney.
Dystocia of the shoulder
In some instances the baby's shoulder may be snared by the pelvic bone of the mother's childbirth. This is known as shoulder dystocia. It can be a serious birth complication. If it causes injury to the nerves that control the shoulder and arm it may cause Erb's palsy. In extreme cases, it could result in oxygen deprivation for the baby during delivery.
Doctors have several maneuvers they can employ to assist the baby out of the position safely. They may also perform the C-section while the mother is under anesthesia and is safer for the baby and mother.
This could result in an injury to the brachial-plexus when the doctor applies too much force or tension on the baby's head. This is called a shoulder dystocia or a type of Erb's palsy called brachial plexus birth palsy.
This condition results in an injury to the nerves that connect between the spine and the hand, arm and shoulder. It can cause permanent loss of sensation and muscle movement, or it can be temporary.
Cephalopelvic disproportion
CPD occurs when the baby's head is too big to fit through the pelvic canal that mothers use during labor. This condition often requires the use of assisted delivery methods such as vacuum extractors and forceps in order to facilitate a vaginal birth. However, this type of birth poses risks to the mother and baby that could result in serious injuries, such as Erb's palsy.
If a doctor suspects CPD they should administer drugs such as Pitocin to aid the labor progress. To avoid serious complications it is recommended that they be prepared to perform Cesarean sections if necessary.
Unfortunately, CPD cannot always be identified before labor commences. If a doctor suspects that labor isn't progressing as planned then they'll examine the mother's pelvic bones and use instruments such as ultrasounds and radiologic Pelmetography. They should also be on the lookout for indications of CPD such as an enlargement of the cervix, or a lack dilation. If doctors fail to recognize CPD the child could be seriously injured during a vaginal birth or be forced to undergo a Cesarean section.
Birth Trauma
A birth injury that is caused due to medical negligence can have profound effects on your child's future. It could prevent your child from taking part in certain activities, for example, playing sports and using their hands. It could also have an emotional impact.
A successful birth injury lawsuit can provide families the compensation needed to cover the cost of lifetime care and treatment. It can also put pressure on doctors to ensure the safety of patients and adhere to standard procedures.
In a few instances it is possible that a brachial-plexus injury result from a doctor's mistakes or omissions during the delivery. The signs could include a loss of muscle mobility and strength, particularly in the shoulder, arm wrist, hand and wrist. During a physical exam, doctors will look for signs of nerve damage, or limited mobility in the affected region. They often employ a series of tests in order to identify the injury, for example electromyography. This test monitors electrical activity in muscles and may indicate nerve damage. In severe cases of Erb's palsy nerves are completely cut off from their roots (a condition known as Avulsion). This requires surgery to splice and transplant healthy nerves to restore the ability to move.