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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go well but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential that doctors are aware of this and be able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. These nerves, if damaged may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery which places strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous 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 certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not treated then a child could be left with a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from lincoln park erb's palsy lawyer Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, but the damage will never be fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and tightened face.

You can claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also be a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do an breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint, which can aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other treatments and equipment needed to help their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

If your child is diagnosed with west dundee erb's palsy law firm palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part in this, it is imperative to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can guide you on the best approach to take and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of experts in erb's-palsy can assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation you are entitled. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.