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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

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

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go well but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest within six to twelve months of the birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the arm, fingers and hand. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's usually caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged do not get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however it may also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor extend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include an elongated pupil and constricted face.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth of the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's palsy, it signifies that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months however some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using an graft of nerves.

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 suspect that your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation that will help pay for the treatment of their child. It could also give them an awareness of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for sunnyvale erb's palsy law firm-Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can assist you in the most effective way to proceed and lawsuits ensure that all required paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.