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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are normal, but on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are several causes of erb's palsy law firms syndrome. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors, such as gestational diabetics, as well as babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It could also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. These nerves, if damaged may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's usually the result of a medical error during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery, which puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms part of the Brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to fix the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, then a child may have an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. However, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a type of waiter's hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

You can claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This can include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to do a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in different ways, such as stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and erb's palsy law firms reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy injury live their life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, care, education and support. If you believe that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor during their birth, you might be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It could also provide them with a a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to treat your child's disability. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists will assist you in getting the most money you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.