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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is often related to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go well however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you if your child has a disability that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors recognise this and know how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within 6 to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often the result of medical errors during childbirth. For instance, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tip' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the damaged nerves are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the impact, but the injury will never be fully healed. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a constricted face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This could be a result of a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby's diagnosis is as having the condition Erb's - it means that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in different ways, such as stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint, which can assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child suffering from an erb's palsy law firm Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, care, education and support. If you believe your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error during their birth, then you could be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy as well as other treatments or equipment required to support your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

You should seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This will give you the best chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.