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

Erb's paralysis is caused by an injury to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are a breeze, but on the rare occasion something can go wrong. 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 the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the fingers, arms and Erb's Palsy lawsuits hand. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is usually caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk 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, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not treated, a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury is not fully healed. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in a birth that leads to a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It could also be the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have a breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it signifies that nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be eligible to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat 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 for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to treat your child's disability. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or Erb's Palsy lawsuits earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

You should seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist lawyers for erb's palsy can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.