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

Erb's palsy is damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

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

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are a breeze, however, on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was brought on by medical negligence such as erb's palsy law firms palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can result in the inability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

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 skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also happen by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms show in the six to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don't get repaired, a child could have permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 and less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

You may be able to claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who fails to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to do the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with erb's palsy law firms Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. It can be done in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In extreme instances, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It may also provide them with a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to take and ensure that all paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This will give you the greatest chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.