Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim

Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. This birth injury is usually due to a challenging or premature delivery.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are normal, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that happens when the baby's skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and be able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during birth that puts stress on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, a child could have a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury is not fully healed. Some children are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This can cause the erb's palsy lawsuit-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some cases the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that droops and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could be a result of a doctor who fails to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an erb's palsy law firm Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also provide them with an awareness of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to get in touch with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a fulfilling life.