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

Erb's spalsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis, as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances, things can occur that go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable 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 as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical condition. It is important 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 the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest within six to twelve months of birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, like a doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged aren't repaired, the child could suffer a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage can not be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus, which connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and Erb's palsy arm. If a baby is diagnosed with erb's palsy law firm palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to assist with flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with an graft of nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, care, education and support. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child and other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

You should contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This will give you the highest chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.