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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are normal, however, on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative to recognize this and know how to respond quickly to prevent 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

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear in the six to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who sustain an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft fix the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves don't get repaired, a child could have a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy Law Firms syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are injured and cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.

You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can be caused by using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This could include a physician who does not manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint, which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves using the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake during their birth, then you might be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It can also bring them an awareness of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment that are required to help your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines end. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you in obtaining the most compensation to which you are entitled. This can help you with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.