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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare circumstances it is possible for things to be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will help you should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to avoid complications. It can also be caused when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the fingers, arms and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during the delivery that puts stress on the C5-C6 nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not treated, the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include an elongated pupil and tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also include doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase the range of motion. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to help with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could aid a child suffering from an erb's palsy law firms Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, care, education and support. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can pay for physical therapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment needed to aid your child's needs. You could also receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role, it is important to get in touch with an experienced lawyer for erb's palsy law firm palsy whenever you can. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.