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. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can be linked to an uneasy or rushed birth and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare cases, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Abrachial plexus injury can result in an inability to grip and move the affected hand.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetes, large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors 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 the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery which places strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. This is the most common sign of Erb's palsy, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

You can sue for medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also be the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when an earlier caesarean section would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If an infant is diagnosed with erb's palsy attorney palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in different ways, such as stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

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

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed to support their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role it is essential to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can advise you on the best approach to take and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This will give you the best chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist 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 disability and make sure that they are provided with everything they need to live a full and happy life.