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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It often links to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances, things can be a mess. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognize this and be able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, Erb's palsy lawyers or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates motion and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months, 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 affected aren't repaired, the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial area which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. This can cause the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition can be caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be done in a variety of ways including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint that will help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you think that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error at the time of their birth, you might be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel the feeling of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physical therapy as well as other equipment or treatments needed to treat your child's disability. 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 lawsuit palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason in the diagnosis, it is crucial to reach out to an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They can assist you in the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability and Erb's Palsy Lawyers ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.