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

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

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve can result in an inability to grasp and move the hand affected.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is important for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

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. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest in the six to 12 months after the birth.

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

It's usually caused by a medical error during childbirth, like a doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth, especially if 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 nerve.

Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch 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 with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Some infants are left with significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it possible to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves can also cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering with 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 could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a physician who does not manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with the movement and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements for erb's palsy law firm Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to support your child's condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy, and Erb's palsy lawyer you suspect that medical negligence played a role in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full and happy life.