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

Erb's Palsy is a result of an injury to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

On rare occasions there are occasions when things go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the fingers, arms and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It is often caused by medical errors during childbirth. For example the doctor Erb's palsy lawsuit pushing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that form part of the brachial plexus.

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

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage can not be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which is the main muscle of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This is the most common Erb's syndrome which is a type of waiter's hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it indicates that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you suspect that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor at the time of their birth, you might be able to claim an erb's palsy attorneys Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to treat their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can give you advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full and happy life.