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

Erb's Palsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis as well as a variety of other problems.

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

Causes

In rare circumstances, things can happen to go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help if your child has a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arms, and hand. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth that puts stress on the C5-C6 nerve system that forms part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention using a nerve graft to fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then the child may be left with an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from erb's palsy law firm Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic Erb's syndrome the waiter's tip hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves also cause Horner's Syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during the birth process that results in the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This can include a doctor who is unable to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

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

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist lawyers for erb's palsy can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.