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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was brought on by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many reasons for erb's palsy lawsuits palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognize 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 an extractor vacuum during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine along both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. These nerves, if damaged may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is usually caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence in the birth that causes an infant suffering from erb's palsy attorneys Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial system control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. It can be done in different ways, such as passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It could also give them a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.