Erb’s Palsy and Cerebral Palsy are both medical conditions with profound implications that can be caused by medical negligence at birth. While the conditions share certain similarities, they are in fact different and distinct medical conditions. Parents of children with either Erb’s Palsy or Cerebral Palsy should know that their families may be entitled to compensation for either injury and that they should contact a Northern Virginia birth injury lawyer as soon as possible after a diagnosis has been made.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a serious physical condition that often results from a difficult birth. For example, if the baby’s head or shoulders are pulled in the wrong way or if the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during birth then Erb’s Palsy may result because the main nerves in the arm have been injured. As a result, the child may experience paralysis of the arm and require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. Additionally, the injury can affect growth of that arm and result in muscular and circulatory problems.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Like Erb’s Palsy, Cerebral Palsy may be caused by a difficult birth. There are several types of Cerebral Palsy that affect people differently.
However, they all affect gross motor development. Patients with more severe forms of Cerebral Palsy may experience seizures, communication problems, and respiratory problems as well as other issues. Cerebral Palsy cannot be cured. Treatment is limited to managing the symptoms and the condition as best as possible.
Contacting a Northern Virginia Birth Accident Attorney
Despite the inherent differences between Erb’s Palsy and Cerebral Palsy, one very important thing remains the same. Your child is suffering from a condition that may have been preventable. The experienced lawyers of Shevlin Smith handle birth injury cases in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia. We understand that you want to get the best possible help for your child and often that starts with receiving damages from those who caused your child’s injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.