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

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go well however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus 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 grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential to 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 the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

erb's palsy lawyers palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the hand Erb's Palsy Lawsuits or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically manifest about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, managing motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It is often caused by birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with erb's palsy lawyers Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus, which provides all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However it may also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor stretch the forearm. In certain cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by pupils that are drooping as well as a tightened face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months however some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to increase range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and support. If you think that your child's condition was the result of an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

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

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of expert lawyers for erb's palsy can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disability and make sure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.