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

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

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to an uneasy or rushed birth and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare cases things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, Erb's Palsy lawyer which allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are many causes of Erb's Palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential to recognize this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of birth.

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

It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a violent delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tippy posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not treated then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, excluding the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also involve the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's palsy, it means that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in a variety of ways including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to help with the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and erb's palsy lawyer have access to essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you may be eligible to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It could also provide them with a an understanding of 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 physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to support your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an erb's palsy lawyer (Highclassps published an article) as soon as you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can provide you with guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists will assist you in getting the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This could help offset the long-term costs of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.