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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often caused by a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well however, on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was brought on by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can cause an inability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms show in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, like an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that 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 an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage cannot be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. This is the most common sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also include doctors not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control movement and sensation in the hands and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's condition was caused by an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you may be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It may also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to support your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy attorneys palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy whenever you can. They can guide you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.