Minneapolis Nerve Damage Lawyers
Many newborn babies are not much larger or heavier than many fashion dolls. So, their bodies are extremely fragile, especially in certain areas. One such area is the brachial plexus nerve bundle under the arms. Excess pressure in this area could cause Erb’s palsy, a permanent nerve injury. Specific types of Erb’s palsy injuries include avulsion (complete tear from the spine), neurapraxia (stretched nerve), and neuroma (scar tissue).
The dedicated Minneapolis nerve damage lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman work hard to obtain maximum compensation for these lifelong injuries. These injuries usually cause the child’s face to collapse. Other effects include extreme muscle weakness in the arms and shoulders. Injuries like these make it difficult to face life. Maximum compensation makes life easier for these victims and their families.
What Causes Nerve Damage?
Sometimes, Erb’s palsy is associated with extreme interventions, like forceps and vacuum extractors. Doctors often use these dangerous devices during difficult vaginal deliveries.
More commonly, however, the intervention is much more subtle. Frequently, doctors must reposition the baby’s head or shoulders during delivery. As mentioned, newborns are incredibly delicate. So, the mere act of gently pushing a baby’s head to one side could cause a severe nerve injury.
Additionally, the risk factors for such birth emergencies, such as maternal diabetes, LGA (large for gestational age) fetus, previous SD (shoulder dystocia) issues, or a multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets), are rather obvious. Doctors should see these signs and be prepared for the unexpected in the delivery room.
Failure to plan is negligence, especially in the medical context. Doctors have a fiduciary duty. That’s the highest level of legal responsibility in Minnesota.
Remedies Available
Medically, extensive physical therapy often alleviates the effects of Erb’s palsy. Physical therapy does not reverse the palsy. But it does help these victims get the most out of their remaining muscles and nerves, assuming any remain functional after the trauma injury.
Such long-term physical therapy is quite expensive. That’s especially true of infant and children physical therapy. There are a limited number of providers in these areas.
By obtaining maximum compensation, a Minneapolis nerve damage lawyer delivers the financial resources these families need to cope with these injuries. Without this compensation, these families would be forced to rely on charity or the government for help.
Available compensation includes more than past and future medical bill payment. Since the injury was not their fault, these children also deserve compensation for their emotional distress and other noneconomic losses. No amount of money could possibly compensate an individual for a serious and permanent nerve injury. But the additional funds make life a bit easier to live. Everyone deserves that chance.
Finally, the damages in a medical malpractice case usually include punitive damages. If there is clear and convincing evidence that the tortfeasor (negligent party) intentionally disregarded a known risk, Hennepin County jurors may add additional damages. These additional damages punish the tortfeasor and deter future wrongdoing.
Contact an Experienced Hennepin County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced nerve injury lawyer in Minneapolis, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman LLC by going online or calling 410-567-0800. You have a limited amount of time to act.
