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

Erb's spalsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are normal, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. These nerves, if damaged, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's usually the result of a medical error during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected don't get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

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

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic sign of Erb's palsy, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It can also include a doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform vaginal birth or Erb's palsy breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it signifies that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some are left with an ongoing disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from erb's palsy law firms Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It may also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have been the reason, it is important to reach out to an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy as soon as possible. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This will give you the best chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.