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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can be linked to an uneasy or rushed birth, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go smoothly, however on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will 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 or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point posture, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a doctor who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movements and sensations in the arm and hand. 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, however some have a long-term disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It could also provide them with a the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other treatments and equipment needed to help their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to take and ensure that all required paperwork is filed before any deadlines run out. This will ensure you have the best chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert lawyers for erb's palsy can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.