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

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

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and Erb's Palsy lawsuit pregnancies go well however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.

There are a variety of reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is crucial 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 by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms show within 6 to 12 months after birth.

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

It is usually caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a traumatizing birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's point position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which form part of the brachial nerve.

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 nerves that are damaged do not get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

You can claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often 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. This can include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to do a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve the range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to treat their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all required documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This will give you the highest chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.