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

Erb's palsy is an injury to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are a breeze, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are several causes of Erb's palsy. erb's palsy attorney Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetes and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognise this and understand how to react quickly 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 Erb's Palsy or 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 strength. Typically, symptoms manifest between six and 12 months after the birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine to both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It is usually caused by birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not treated, the child may be left with a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic sign of Erb's palsy, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and tightened face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This can include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's Palsy, it signifies that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be achieved in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of a medical mistake at the time of their birth, you may be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to pay for their child's treatment. It can also bring them a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child and other equipment and treatments to help their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause, it is important to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy law firms palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.