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

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

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, however, on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can result in the inability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely in certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors are aware of this and know how 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 even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, the child may be left with permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint specifically designed to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, treatment, and assistance. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It can also help them feel satisfaction and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to aid their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can guide you on the most effective way to proceed and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.