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

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

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically related to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually are a breeze, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from 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 of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's Palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

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

It is usually caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tip position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the impact, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand lawyers or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less frequently affects C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor stretch the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

You can sue for 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 being applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in different ways, such as stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint, which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you think that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation that will help pay for 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.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed to treat their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.