Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an park ridge erb's palsy law firm Palsy Claim

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can result in a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go well but on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Injuries to the brachial nerve can cause an inability to grip and move the hand affected.

mullins erb's palsy law firm Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common 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 imperative that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Symptoms typically manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not treated, the child could suffer an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence in the birth that causes an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a doctor who does not control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, treatment, and assistance. If you believe that your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other equipment or treatments needed to treat your child's disability. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized keyser erb's palsy law firm palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full and happy life.