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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can result in a challenging or rushed delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

On rare occasions things can be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. erb's palsy law firm palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arm, and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tip position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor extend the forearm. In certain cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This can include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or erb's palsy lawyer decides to have the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase the range of motion. This can be accomplished in many ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the care they have given their child. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause in this, it is imperative to get in touch with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure all necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy will assist you in getting the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.