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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis and a range of other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical malpractice, 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, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many causes of Erb's syndrome. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and understand how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that run from the spine down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's usually caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth which places strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then children may suffer from a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety options to treat the effects, but the damage will never be fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and are unable to move their hand, erb's palsy lawsuits arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and Erb's palsy lawsuits C6 but less frequently affects C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are injured and cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who does not control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby's diagnosis is with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint that will help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and support. If you believe your child's condition was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment required to treat your child's disability. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the highest chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert lawyers for erb's palsy can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.