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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go well however, Erb's Palsy Law Firms on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you if your child has a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could result in the inability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognise this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms show between six and 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, regulating motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tip' position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired then a child could be left with an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from erb's palsy law Firms Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which is the main muscle of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This is the most common Erb's Palsy sign the waiter's tip hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. If a baby is identified as having erb's palsy lawsuit palsy, it means that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. This can be achieved in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest a specialist extension splint to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with erb's palsy law firm Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be eligible to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to help your child's condition. You could also be compensated for any lost 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 may have played a part in this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This will help pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.