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

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

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

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a condition that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors like gestational diabetics and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognise this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen by forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

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 usually appear six to twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's usually caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury 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 that are damaged are not treated, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This is the most common Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in the birth of the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It can also include the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having the condition erb's palsy law firms - it means that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint that will assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to pay for their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and erb's palsy lawsuit bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to help their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can assist you in the best method to proceed and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This will ensure you have the best chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.