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

Erb's Palsy is a result of an injury to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It is often linked to a challenging or rushed delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare instances things can occur that 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 obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and Erb's Palsy lawsuits grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety 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 can be more common with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It is often caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tip' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, a child may have an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage is not fully healed. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy lawyer palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This includes using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also mean a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to do an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve range of motion. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises that are passive and. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you believe your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake during their birth, then you could be eligible to claim an erb's palsy law firm Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It could also provide them with a a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to help your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can assist you in the most effective way to proceed and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of expert lawyers for erb's palsy can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.