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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare cases there are occasions when things be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will help you should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grip and move the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics, Erb's Palsy as well as large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's typically caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves that are damaged 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 treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury cannot be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by 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 branches of nerves C5 or Erb's Palsy C6. Less frequently, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

You may be able to claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This could include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to do an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve the range of motion. This can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest a specialist extension splint to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you may be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also bring them an awareness of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment that are required to treat your child's disability. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.