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, as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. This birth injury is usually due to a challenging or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare circumstances it is possible for things to be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens 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 a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or erb's palsy Lawyer by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.

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

It's usually caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves aren't repaired, the child could suffer an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This is the most common Erb's syndrome which is a type of waiter's hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In some instances, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects the movement and sensation of 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 utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you may be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment needed to support your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you to receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This can help you with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.