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

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

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

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

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

naples erb's palsy law firm Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent with certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and know how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for Vimeo the baby. It can also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

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

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery that puts stress on the C5-C6 nerve system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not treated the child may suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, except for the trapezius can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less often affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, which is a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve the range of motion. This can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other equipment or treatments needed to help your child's condition. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can assist you in 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 highest chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.