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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are a breeze, however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

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

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors recognise this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest between six and twelve months after birth.

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

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that are part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage cannot be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus, which is the main muscle of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classical Erb's palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This can include a doctor who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some are left with an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves by the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you think that your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, you could be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to help their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.