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

Erb's palsy can cause damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. The birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

In rare instances there are occasions when things go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetics, as well as infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors are aware of this and understand how to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is often caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery which places strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

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 damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves do not get repaired the child may suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage will never be fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Infrequently it may also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or Erb's Palsy lawyers forceps in a way that is not properly. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having erb's palsy law firms palsy, it signifies that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to treat their child. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can assist you in the best approach to take and ensure that all paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim 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 disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.