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

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

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

On rare occasions, things can happen to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve can cause an inability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. erb's palsy attorney syndrome can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognize this and know how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show within six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, regulating movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms 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 damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged are not treated, the child may be left with an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles except the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. This results in the classical sign of Erb's palsy which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable pronate or bend the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It can also include a doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

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

Physical therapy can be used to increase range of motion. This can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and support. If you suspect that your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to treat their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause, it is important to get in touch with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can advise you on the best approach to take and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.