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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

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 shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions it is possible for things to be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can 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 of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women who have certain risk factors like gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognize this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. The symptoms usually manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating movement 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 typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tip position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in 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 repaired, children may suffer from an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury is not fully healed. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand, or Erb's palsy lawyers fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy lawsuits Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or stretch the forearm. In certain cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It could also be the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or opting to have vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to ease movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a graft of nerves 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 essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's condition is the result of an unintentional medical error at the time of their birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It could also provide them with a an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to aid their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can offer advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chances of securing 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 cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.