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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as a variety of other problems.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are normal, however on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also happen by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or erb's Palsy lawsuits hand.

It's usually the result of the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth which places strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don't get repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage can not be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor bend the forearm. In some instances, erb's palsy lawsuits injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it means that 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.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be achieved in different ways, such as passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It may also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to aid their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

You should contact an erb's palsy attorneys Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can provide you with advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the greatest chance of securing compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the most compensation to which you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.