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

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances things can happen to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognize this and are able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or Erb's Palsy Lawyers even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, Erb's Palsy Lawyers for example doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial plexus.

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

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage cannot be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some cases, the damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to aid in movements and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments to support their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.