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 arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and a range of other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or erb's palsy law firms rushed birth, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency. It is important for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. The symptoms usually manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

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

It is often the result of medical errors during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a traumatizing delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial system.

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

Diagnosis

For children suffering from erb's palsy law firms Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it possible to affect C7. This can cause the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You can claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could be a result of a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it indicates that nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. It can be done in different ways, such as stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft 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 essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy law Firms Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also provide them with a the feeling of justice and draw 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 treatments for your child as well as other equipment and treatments to treat their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for Erb's Palsy Law Firms any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have played a part in this, it is imperative to get in touch with an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.