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

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

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It is often linked to a challenging or rushed delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go well but, on rare occasions 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 claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals 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.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical condition. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the fingers, arm and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a violent delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tippy posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial system.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged don't get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy, Erb's palsy Lawyers but the injury can not be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by pupils that are drooping as well as a tightened face.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence in the birth process that results in a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to do vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movements and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It could also give them a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You could also receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have been the reason, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy as soon as possible. They can provide you with guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy attorneys palsy lawyers (click here to read) can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.