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 Erb's Palsy Lawyers hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are a breeze, but on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness 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. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can result in the inability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative to recognize this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer 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 affected are not treated, the child may be left with 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 variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 as well as C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are injured and cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

You can sue for medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. When 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 affects movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint which will assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, treatment, and assistance. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It may also provide them with satisfaction and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment required to aid your child's needs. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can provide you with suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are 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 live a happy, healthy life.