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

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

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are normal, however, on the rare occasion something could 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 in the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can cause an inability to grasp and move the affected hand.

There are several causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetes and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates motion and sensation of the fingers, arms, and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery, which puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the damaged nerves don't get repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage can not be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or Erb's palsy lawsuits ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve a doctor who is not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it signifies that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in six to 12 months. However, some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error during their birth, you could be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It could also give them a sense of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments to aid their condition. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure all necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you to receive the most compensation to which you are entitled. This will help pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and make sure that they are provided with everything they need to live a full and happy life.