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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances it is possible for things to be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will help you in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can cause an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during birth, which puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child could suffer a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy attorneys Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also involve a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to ease movement and Erb's Palsy Lawyers help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel satisfaction and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to help their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.