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 lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rushed birth and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

erb's palsy attorney palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is important 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 an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear in the six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves aren't repaired, the child could suffer permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury can not be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In certain cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and Erb's Palsy lawyers a constricted face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in cases of extreme severity to reconstruct damaged nerves through an graft of nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, then you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also bring them a sense of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

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

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.