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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are a breeze, however on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the affected hand.

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 over the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical situation. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also happen by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Symptoms typically manifest within six to twelve months of the birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often the result of birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, children may suffer from a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, causes symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. This is the reason for the Erb's palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the birth process. This can include using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could be a result of a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint to aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a graft of nerves might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you may be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It may also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy and any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can help you get the most compensation to which you are entitled. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and erb's palsy lawsuits ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.