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

Erb's spalsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other problems.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, 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 condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles in order to enable them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is essential for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arms and hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is often the result of medical errors during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during birth and puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury will never be fully healed. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in the birth process that results in a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This could include a physician who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If a baby's diagnosis is as having the condition erb's palsy attorney - it signifies that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover in six to 12 months. However, some are left with an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. This can be accomplished in different ways, such as stretching exercises that are passive and. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help pay for the treatment of their child. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child and other treatments and Erb's palsy lawsuits equipment required to treat their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause it is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as possible. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.