Sometimes, the excitement of giving birth is diminished by unexpected complications. When these complications are the result of medical malpractice, they can be especially difficult to accept. One of the most common complications is a birth injury known as Erb’s palsy (also called Klumpke’s palsy or Brachial plexus palsy).
Erb’s Palsy Attorneys in Rhode Island: Medical Malpractice
If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy, medical malpractice may have contributed to the condition. Serving clients throughout Rhode Island, including North Providence, Newport, Bristol County, Kent County, and Providence County, a medical malpractice lawyer at Gemma Law Associates, Inc., can help you. Our experienced Erb’s palsy attorneys would like to meet with you to discuss your case. Please contact us by calling toll free or by filling out our online contact form.
Erb’s Palsy is a Birth Injury: Medical Malpractice
Erb’s palsy is an injury to the brachial plexus, which is a large network of nerves that runs from the spinal column to all of the muscles in the shoulders and arms. Erb’s palsy is commonly associated with a problematic birth.
The primary cause of brachial plexus injuries is excessive pressure to a baby’s neck or head during delivery, often done when a baby’s shoulders get lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone (known as shoulder dystocia). In most cases where a baby is too large for vaginal delivery, this situation can be avoided by delivering the baby by Caesarian section. If a doctor delivers the baby vaginally by using too much force, or by using extraordinary measures, stretching or tearing of the nerves may result.
Erb’s Palsy: Need A RI Personal Injury Attorney?
Can be identified by a number of serious symptoms, including:
- Paralysis of the shoulders, arms or hands;
- Reduced muscle control in the shoulders, arms or hands;
- Loss of sensation in the shoulders, arms or hands;
- A misaligned or “winged” shoulder blade;
- Stunted growth of the arms or hands;
- Reduced strength in the arm or hands;
- Reduced fine motor coordination.
About Erb’s Palsy and Why You Should Call a Personal Injury Attorney
A properly trained doctor will identify any shoulder dystocia risks and take steps to avoid injury during the delivery. If shoulder dystocia occurs during the birthing process, there are several techniques that can be used to free the trapped shoulder and ensure safe delivery. Although shoulder dystocia is a serious situation, it does not have to result in injury.
Parents of children with Erb’s palsy are often left with the incorrect impression that their child simply has a birth defect that could not have been prevented. Parents who have a child suffering with brachial plexus injury should seek the qualified legal advice of an experienced Erb’s palsy attorney.
Birth Injury and Erb’s Palsy Attorneys at Gemma Law Associates RI
The Rhode Island Erb’s palsy lawyers of Gemma Law Associates, Inc., have successfully handled numerous birth injury cases and we would like to discuss yours. Doctors and hospitals guilty of malpractice should be held accountable for their irresponsible actions. We have helped clients throughout the Rhode Island in Providence, Newark, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket and Bristol. Call us or use our online contact form. Ensure that your rights are being protected.
