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 problems.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, however on the rare occasion things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability 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 weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors are aware of this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear between six and twelve months after birth.

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

It is often the result of birth-related medical errors. For example, Erb's Palsy lawsuits a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth, which puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not treated, the child could suffer an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic sign of erb's palsy law firms palsy the waiter's tip hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also be the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some are left with a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint that will assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you think that your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake at birth, you might be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also give them the feeling of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to aid your child's needs. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can assist you in the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.