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

Erb's spalsy is caused by nerve damage 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 often links to an uneasy or rushed birth in particular when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well however, on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Symptoms typically manifest about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the spine along both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is often caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which form part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected don't get repaired, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently it may also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves are injured and cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence during the birth of the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or Erb's palsy lawyers ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to have the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It can also bring them satisfaction and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy and any other equipment or treatments needed to treat your child's disability. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or Erb's Palsy Lawyers earnings due to the impairment 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 offer advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.