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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rushed birth and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well but, on rare occasions something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

erb's palsy lawsuits'Palsy' is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can result in an inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It can also be caused by forceps or vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that run from the spine down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery that puts stress on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected do not get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage cannot be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, causes symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth of the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who does not treat shoulder dystocia properly or erb's Palsy Lawsuit decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If a baby's diagnosis is as having the condition Erb's - it indicates that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be done in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation to treat their child. It could also give them a sense of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment needed to aid their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence was the cause, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy immediately. They will be able to provide suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists will assist you in getting the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.