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

Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.

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

Causes

On rare occasions, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. The symptoms usually manifest about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused 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 an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve 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 nerves that have been injured. If the damaged nerves are not treated the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus, which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 and less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This can include a doctor who does not treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think that your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able to make an erb's palsy attorneys Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It may also provide them with the feeling of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to aid their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the highest chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialized 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 cost of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.