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. It can lead to paralysis and a range of other problems.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labor.

Causes

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

erb's palsy lawsuit'Palsy' is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and understand how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest six to twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that runs from the spine down both sides of the neck, managing motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, like a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tip position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial plexus.

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 surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child could suffer an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury can not be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy law firm Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are injured and cause Horner's syndrome, which is a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This can include a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it means that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you believe that your child's condition is the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, then you could be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also provide them with the feeling of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will pay for physiotherapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to treat your child's disability. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This will give you the greatest chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a happy life.