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

Erb's palsy can cause damage to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is typically related to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare instances it is possible for things to occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, lawsuits and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

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

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's often caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's point posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury can not be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in an infant suffering from 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 could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It could also involve a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If an infant is diagnosed 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 there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you suspect that your child's illness was caused by an error made by a doctor at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to claim an erb's palsy lawyers Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason in the diagnosis, it is crucial to get in touch with an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy immediately. They can advise you on the best approach to take and ensure all necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of erb's palsy lawyer palsy specialists can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.