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

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

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are normal, but on the rare occasion something can 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 obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognise this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. These nerves, if damaged can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by medical errors during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a traumatic birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged do not get repaired then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which 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. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a type of waiter's hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, which is a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This could be a result of a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to do the vaginal or Erb's Palsy Lawsuit breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it indicates that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you believe that your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for the treatment of 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.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to help their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an erb's palsy attorney Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to take and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed before any deadlines end. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy will assist you in getting the maximum compensation you are entitled. This can help you deal with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.