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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the shoulder, Erb's palsy lawyer arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It is often linked to an uneasy or rushed birth particularly when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances there are occasions when things go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was 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 condition of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

erb's palsy lawsuits Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine and down both sides of the neck. They control 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 usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, results in symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently it may also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You can file a claim for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve doctors not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with an ongoing disability that affects the movement and sensation of their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint to aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery may be required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves with a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you think that your child's condition is the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, then you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help pay for the treatment of their child. It can also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy for your child as well as other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause, it is important to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.