Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy, also known as CP, is the name given to a group of chronic disorders that affect the brain’s ability to control movement and posture. Ninety percent of CP cases result from brain damage sustained in the uterus, during labor, or shortly after childbirth. Not a disease in itself, CP is nonetheless a serious condition that affects all aspects of life.

The effects of CP vary in relation to the severity of brain damage. In milder cases of CP, a child may experience some awkwardness of movement or walk with a limp, while a child with severe CP is likely to have problems with learning, sensory abilities, speech, eating, and bladder and bowel function. In either case, there is no cure for CP.

For parents and families of an infant with cerebral palsy, the diagnosis can be overwhelming. As the shock subsides, families face the emotionally, physically, and financially daunting challenge of helping the child with CP to live as full and active a life as possible. While programs, educators, medical professionals and social workers can help the family as well as the child to meet that challenge, such services are costly. Likewise, medications, surgery, and medical equipment can improve a child’s quality of life, but these also put an enormous strain on a family’s budget.

Erb’s Palsy

Also known as brachial plexus palsy, Erb’s palsy is a type of paralysis resulting from damage to the network of nerves (the brachial plexus) connecting the arm, shoulder, and hand to the spinal cord. Brachial plexus injuries typically occur during birth, when delivery of the baby's shoulders may cause the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear.

Children with brachial plexus injuries are affected in different ways, depending on the nerves involved or the severity of the injury. Muscle control and feeling in all or part of the arm or hand may be impacted.

Fortunately, approximately 80 percent of children with Erb’s palsy will recover without medical intervention within the first three months of life. If an infant does not improve within the first three months, the condition might be permanent, or it might be corrected or improved by surgical methods. Surgery is never helpful, however, in children over one year of age.

While Erb’s palsy offers a somewhat brighter prognosis than cerebral palsy, both conditions take an emotional and financial toll on families in addition to their impacts on the patient. Our attorneys can help you collect compensation for your child’s injuries to help ease the worry of your financial burden.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or Erb's palsy, contact our office immediately. Failure to take prompt action could jeopardize a potential claim.

Call toll-free 1-866-778-5500 today for your free legal consultation.