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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare cases, things can occur that go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women with risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is usually caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that are part of the brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged aren't repaired, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This can cause the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence in the birth process that results in an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also involve doctors not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint to aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation to treat their child. It can also help them feel satisfaction and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment required to treat your child's disability. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before any deadlines expire. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy attorney palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.