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

Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

On rare occasions, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition 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 diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates motion and sensation of the arm, fingers, Vimeo and hand. These nerves, if damaged can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is often caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's point position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which form part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves affected aren't repaired, the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants are left with significant impairment and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less often affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as 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 is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also be the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or opting to have vaginal or breech birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase the range of motion. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has rancho santa margarita erb's palsy attorney Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

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

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment that are required to help your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They will be able to provide guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you to receive the most compensation to which you are entitled. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.