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 as well as other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically caused by a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually are a breeze, but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is important for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, then children may suffer from an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This can cause the erb's palsy law firms Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In some cases, Erb's Palsy lawsuits the damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also include the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve the range of motion. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to ease flexibility and prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's condition is the result of an unintentional medical error at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award 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 nerve injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part it is essential to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They will be able to advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all required documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This will give you the highest chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.