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

Erb's palsy can cause damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare instances there are occasions when things happen to go wrong. 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 that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women who have certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of erb's palsy law firm palsy include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's usually caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during birth and puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don't get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or flex the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, which is a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence in a birth that leads to the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also include doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be accomplished in different ways, such as passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint, which can aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from 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 condition was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It can also bring them a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to help their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of expert lawyers for erb's palsy can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.