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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often due to a challenging or rushed delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are a breeze, but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest within six to twelve months of the birth.

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that form part of the brachial system.

Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged are not treated, children may suffer from an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a type of waiter's hand which cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If you find a baby with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also give them an awareness of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

erb's palsy lawsuit (what do you think) settlements can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child and other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.