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. The birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually are normal, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are several causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It can happen more frequently with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Symptoms of erb's palsy law firms palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged don't get repaired the child may suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects, but the damage is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a physician who fails to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. This can be achieved in different ways, such as stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you believe your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake during their birth, then you could be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to pay for the treatment of their child. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to help their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence played a role, it is important to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy law firm palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.