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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from a disability that was 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 and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, including gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors recognise this and know how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's 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 birth.

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

It is often caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tip posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the damaged nerves are not treated the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage is not fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. However it may also affect C7. The result is the classic erb's palsy lawyers-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand Erb's Palsy that cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

You can claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also include the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it signifies that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care at birth, you might be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to help 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.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy lawyer palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence played a role it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They can give you suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disability and make sure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.