Cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy are permanent, life-changing conditions. There are many causes of cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy, but many times, improper handling of an infant at birth causes or contributes to the severity of these conditions. It is important for you to have a comprehensive understanding of the medical decisions made during a child’s birth in order to fully understand how a newborn becomes injured. If you suspect that the physician or other medical professionals supervising the birth may have contributed to your infant’s condition, please contact a lawyer serving New York state, including New York City and Manhattan. Cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy lawyers can help you learn more about what caused your child’s condition.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination. The word “cerebral” refers to the brain, and it is used because this condition stems from damage to the brain; “palsy” refers to a physical disorder. Signs of cerebral palsy typically appear in children before they reach 3 years of age. Common symptoms include a lack of muscle coordination, stiff or floppy muscles, spastic reflexes, and difficulty walking. While these symptoms are physical, the root of the condition is not in the muscles themselves but in the way the brain controls them.

Though there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments such as physical and occupational therapy, medications, and surgery, along with devices such as braces and communication aids, may be able to improve the child’s capabilities. The good news is that, once symptoms appear, they generally stay the same rather than worsening as time goes on. With adequate medical treatment, people with cerebral palsy may be able to live relatively normal lives. Those with severe cerebral palsy, however, will likely need lifelong care to help them perform day-to-day activities.

If a loved one has developed cerebral palsy due to a birth injury, you should contact experienced New York City and Manhattan-area cerebral palsy lawyers. Such professionals may be able to determine whether or not the cerebral palsy is a result of medical malpractice. If so, you are entitled to compensation that will assist you in paying for medical bills, caregivers, and medical devices necessary for living with the effects of palsy. Ask a cerebral palsy lawyer to review your case for free. Taking this step may enable you to learn more about the cause of your loved one’s cerebral palsy.

Erb’s palsy is a condition that is caused by an injury to the nerve network controlling arm and hand movements. This network is called the brachial plexus, which is why Erb’s palsy is often referred to as brachial plexus paralysis. The brachial plexus is located in the area of the shoulder closest to the neck. It may become damaged during a difficult delivery, but most doctors are careful not to harm the nerves in this crucial area. If the brachial plexus does become damaged, partial or complete paralysis of one of the arms may result. The main symptom of Erb’s palsy is difficulty moving one of the arms, and especially difficulty moving the arms but not the fingers.

Most infants can recover movement and sensation in the paralyzed arm through motion exercises. Nerve surgery is also an option, but only for infants less than one year old. Unfortunately, nerve surgery cannot restore normal function completely. The child is likely to have permanent weakness in the arm area. Tendon transfer surgery may help, but it can only be performed when the child is old enough to follow postoperative instructions.

If you or your child has a partially paralyzed arm due to Erb’s palsy, please contact New York City and Manhattan-area Erb’s Palsy lawyers who can help you determine whether or not the condition was caused by malpractice. If the physician failed to perform a cesarean section and used too much force in delivering the child, causing Erb’s Palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. Ask an Erb’s palsy lawyer for a free case review to trace the cause of your or your child’s Erb’s palsy.

A birth injury lawyer is an excellent resource to consult if you are curious about the causes of Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy. It is easy to obtain assistance from diligent New York City or Manhattan-area cerebral and Erb’s palsy lawyers. Simply ask an attorney your question and you will receive an e-mail reply shortly.