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

Erb's spalsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is often related to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

On rare occasions there are occasions when things occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help if your child has a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's syndrome. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear six to twelve months after birth.

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

It's typically caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tip position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, children may suffer from an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it possible to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves can also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This could include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to do vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus manage movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it signifies that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover in six to 12 months. However, erb's palsy lawyer some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also bring them satisfaction and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to aid their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence played a role in the diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can provide you with suggestions on how you can proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.