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

Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It is often linked to an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are normal, but, on rare occasions something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract can result in an inability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often 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 frequent with certain risk factors, including gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and be able to respond quickly to prevent 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.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, symptoms manifest in the six to 12 months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control 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 is often the result of medical errors during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, then a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles except the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However, it can also affect C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the birth process. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This can include a doctor who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's palsy, it signifies that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. It can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest a specialist extension splint to ease flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the erb's palsy lawsuits (Full Review) can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child and other treatments and equipment needed to support their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings caused by your child's disability.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role in the diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with 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 erb's palsy Lawsuits ensure that all paperwork is filed prior Erb's Palsy Lawsuits to when any deadlines expire. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy law firm palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.