Birth Injury Lawyers Chicago, Illinois

Cerebral Palsy and Erb's Palsy

When one of life's most joyful events turns tragic due to medical error it is devastating for the whole family. In most cases, birth injury can be prevented by proper monitoring of the mother and child throughout pregnancy and delivery. Cerebral palsy and Erb's palsy are very different conditions, but they do have one thing in common. They are almost always the result of a preventable birth injury.

Harvey L. Walner and Associates, LTD., in Chicago, Illinois, can help you obtain the compensation that you need so that you can afford the right medical care to help your child make the fullest recovery possible. Early detection and treatment can make a world of difference for the rest of your child's life.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury that the baby suffers during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after delivery. In most cases, brain injury can be prevented by proper monitoring and treatment of both the mother and the baby.

Cerebral palsy can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive impairment ranging from mild to severe. Children with cerebral palsy often require extensive medical treatment. The right treatment will improve the quality of life for any child with this condition. Some can live fairly normal lives, but most will require some level of care for their entire lives. Children with cerebral palsy may need:

• Surgery
• Medications to prevent seizures
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological treatment
• Full time in-home care
• Institutionalization

Erb's palsy

Erb's palsy affects the shoulder, arm, and hand. It is caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which is a nerve bundle located between the neck and shoulder. Brachial plexus injuries are caused when the baby's shoulder is lodged behind the mother's pubic bone and too much force is used during delivery. Erb's palsy is just one of many problems that can be caused by brachial plexus injuries.

Brachial plexus injuries are preventable. There are many signs that doctors know to look for during pregnancy to anticipate the risk of brachial plexus injuries. When that risk is detected early enough, a caesarian section can be performed to prevent the injury. If it is not detected early enough to safely perform a C-section, other methods can be used to safely change the position of the baby and prevent injury.

In most cases, Erb's palsy can be successfully treated with therapy and exercise. In some cases surgery is required to repair the damage. Some children will experience permanent disability.

If your child has suffered a birth injury, just compensation can be the only way you can afford the treatment that your child needs. Please, contact Harvey L. Walner & Associates, LTD., in Chicago, Illinois, so we can help you get your child on the road to recovery.

Contact our experienced Illinois injury attorneys for a free consultation. Serving clients throughout Chicago.