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

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

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. The birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go smoothly, 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 lawsuit palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a condition that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and know how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within six to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arm, and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery that puts stress on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not treated then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage is not fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to do vaginal or breech birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be achieved in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in movements and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error during their birth, then you could be eligible to submit an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It may also provide them with the feeling of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment needed to aid their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.