Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy Claim

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

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It is often linked to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances it is possible for things to be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Damage to the brachial tract can result in an inability to grasp and move the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is important for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also happen if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and Erb's Palsy lawyer an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that forms part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected do not get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage will never be fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to give birth via a breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it signifies that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to ease movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It may also provide them with a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.