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 and other issues.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is usually due to a challenging or rushed delivery.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, but, on rare occasions something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the affected hand.

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

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

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a violent birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's point position, which puts tension 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 in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which is the main muscle of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it also affecting C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence during the birth of an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This can include a doctor who isn't able to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to have the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and Erb's Palsy Lawsuits feel in the arm and hand. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's palsy, it means that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, Erb's Palsy lawsuits some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you think that your child's illness was caused by an error in medical care at birth, you might be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

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

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

You should seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you to receive the most money you're entitled. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.