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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. This birth injury is typically linked to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics, as well as babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

The symptoms of erb's palsy attorney Palsy include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Symptoms usually appear six to twelve months after birth.

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

It's usually the result of the medical error that occurs during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not treated, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits 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 suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus, which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do vaginal or breech birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to improve range of motion. It can be done in different ways, such as stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

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

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to treat their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This will give you the greatest chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.