A number of tasks we perform on a daily basis rely on the use of our arms. Tasks ranging from typing on a computer to lifting objects are dependent on how well we can use the muscles of our arms. When the function and strength of the muscles and nerves in our arms are affected, performing these types of tasks can get much more challenging or in some cases, can even prove impossible.
These are the challenges that victims affected by brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) face. The impact of this condition on shoulder and arm mobility may drastically alter a person’s life as they grow up, placing more pressure on parents to find ways to accommodate their needs. Children who grow up with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) miss out on major childhood milestones and are often sadly, unable to participate in activities that their peers enjoy.
What is brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy)?
Brachial plexus palsy or Erb’s palsy is a disorder caused by injury or damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus during birth. There are five main nerves that supply movement and sensation to the arm. During prolonged labor and often due to the actions of negligent (careless) medical providers, it is possible for one or more of these nerves to be damaged, which has an impact of the growth and mobility of the affected arm. When the damage is severe, children who suffer these types of birth injuries are left with lifelong disabilities, limiting the function of their arm and affecting their daily lives.
Long-Term Impact
The impact of a brachial plexus injury depends on the nature and extent of the damage done. Some children may experience weakness of the arm, elbow or shoulder. Others may experience loss of function. There are also victims who are completely unable to use their arm or hand, which carries major, lifelong implications. Life for these individuals can get particularly difficult if their dominant hand is affected by brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy). In such cases, they may have to learn to function with their weaker hand.
There are also long-term expenses involved in the treatment and care of patients. There is the ongoing cost of physical therapy, which helps manage the movement of the patient’s joints and care for the affected arm. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged nerves. In addition, there are expenses related to changing the child’s surroundings to help minimize their disability and improve their quality of life. In some cases, technology and specialized equipment may help. As these children grow up, they need continual care and assistance with everyday activities such as driving a car, lifting objects, bathing and dressing.
Emotional and Psychological Struggles
When a child is affected by brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy), there is also a burden that has been placed on his or her loved ones who will need to help with performing basic, everyday tasks. When parents care for children with special needs, they may not be able to work full-time, which may affect their ability to earn money as well as their overall quality of life. In many cases, they are forced to hire caregivers to take care of their children when they are working.
Brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) can also have a severe emotional impact on children and their families. The need for additional help at school or the abnormal growth of their arm may not only limit their independence, but may also alienate them from their peers. Children with brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) may also miss out on a number of significant childhood events and activities such as riding a bike, swimming or playing sports. The entire experience can be a source of emotional pain for those who have been affected.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence (carelessness), you may be able to seek compensation for damages including loss of earnings, medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, ongoing treatment and therapies, psychological counseling, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
For over 51 years, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. One of our clients secured a $2,850,000 verdict that was reduced by the appeals court to $1,846,000 because the verdict was so large. This was the highest amount upheld by the appellate (appeals) courts for many, many years. In addition we recovered $1,400,000 for a newborn who lost motion in the arm during birth due to doctors applying incorrect force on the baby’s head. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
We have seen many cases where New York City Health and Hospital Corporation facilities deliver babies who are born with cerebral palsy or brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) stemming from negligence (carelessness) and/or medical malpractice in the labor and delivery etc. of the children.
The following list identifies some of these hospitals (operated by New York City Health and Hospital Corporation):
• Jacobi Hospital aka Bronx Municipal 1400 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, New York 10461 718-918-5000
• Lincoln Hospital 234 East 149th Street Bronx, New York 10451 718-579-5000
• North Central Bronx Hospital 3424 Kossuth Avenue Bronx, New York 10467 718-519-5000
• Coney Island Hospital 2601 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11235 718-616-3000
• Kings County Hospital 451 Clarkson Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11203 718-245-3131
• Woodhull Hospital 760 Broadway Brooklyn, New York 11206 718-963-8000
• Bellevue Hospital 462 First Avenue New York, New York 10016 212-562-5555
• Harlem Hospital 506 Lenox Avenue New York, New York 10037 212-939-1000
• Metropolitan Hospital 1901 First Avenue New York, New York 10029 212-423-6262
• Elmhurst Hospital 79-01 Broadway Elmhurst, New York 11373 718-334-4000
• Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street Jamaica, New York 11432 718-883-3000
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
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