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

erb's palsy attorney palsy is an injury to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances there are occasions when things go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could result in the inability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential to recognize this and understand how to respond quickly to prevent 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 in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine along both sides of the neck. They control movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during birth, which puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs 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 with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves affected do not get repaired, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It could also involve doctors not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to do vaginal or breech birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

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

Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you believe that 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 damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It may also provide them with satisfaction and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

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

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part it is essential to get in touch with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the highest chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.