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

Erb's palsy is an injury to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare circumstances, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial to recognize this and be able 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 or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest in the six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's usually the result of an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired then a child could be left with an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects, however the injury cannot be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to perform vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months however some are left with an ongoing disability that affects movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to improve range of motion. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in movements and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you may be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment of their child. It may also provide them with the feeling of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the brooklyn erb's palsy law firm Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed 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.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can offer suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists will assist you in getting the maximum compensation you are entitled. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full and happy life.