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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles in order to enable them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are several causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with 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 are aware of this and understand how to react quickly 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 even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of 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 which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a violent birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to fix the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves do not get repaired then a child could be left with permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However is it possible to affect C7. This can cause the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able file a claim for erb's Palsy Lawyer financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also bring them a sense of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to support your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence played a role it is essential to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed prior Erb's palsy lawyer to when any deadlines run out. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.