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

Erb's palsy is an injury to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go well however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are many reasons for 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 mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is essential for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show within six to 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tippy position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy, but the injury cannot be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and erb's Palsy Lawyers are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor bend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are injured and cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or opting to have a breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It may also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment needed to aid your child's needs. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to get in touch with an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to take and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.