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

Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you if your child has a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve may result in the inability to grip and move the affected hand.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. erb's palsy law firms syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. 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.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms show within six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls the movement and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is often the result of birth-related medical errors. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury cannot be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently it may also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome which is a type of waiter's hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also be a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or opting to have a breech or erb's palsy lawyer vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If you find a baby 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 a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel satisfaction and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physical therapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason in the diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can assist you in the best method to proceed and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist lawyers for Erb's palsy lawyer erb's palsy can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.