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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It is often linked to a challenging or rushed delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are normal, however, on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a condition that can be varying in severity or even paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve may result in the inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognise this and are able to respond quickly in order 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.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls the movement and sensation of the fingers, arms and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's usually caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery which places strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected do not get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects, but the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or stretch the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth process that results in an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could include a physician who fails to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to perform vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in six to 12 months. However, some are left with permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to help with movements and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child and other treatments and equipment required to aid their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you to receive the most compensation to which you are entitled. This could help offset the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.