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

erb's palsy law Firms spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often linked to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

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

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can result in an inability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors are aware of this and are able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

erb's palsy law firm spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that are part of the brachial plexus.

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

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage cannot be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This results in the classical Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a graft of nerves could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also help them feel an awareness of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will pay for physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to help your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

You should contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.