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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of 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 labor.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of ability 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 complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors, such as gestational diabetics, as well as large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movement and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.

Most infants who sustain 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 surgical intervention with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not treated, the child may be left with a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury is not fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from erb's palsy lawyers Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be a doctor who is not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

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 injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgery may be necessary in the most severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, education, and support. 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 eligible to claim an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It could also give them satisfaction and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to help their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This will give you the highest chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a full and happy life.