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

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

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

On rare occasions, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was brought on by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

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

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and know 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 even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a system 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 could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves don't get repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it also affecting C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In certain cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could be a result of a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control the movement and feel of the arm and hands. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you may be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help pay for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel satisfaction and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, Erb's Palsy it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer who specializes in maine erb's palsy attorney Palsy whenever you can. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.