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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are a breeze, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or 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. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

inglewood erb's palsy law firm spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It is often caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial.

Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves affected are not repaired, a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury cannot be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, except for the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it also affecting C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth process that results in an infant suffering from Hammond Erb's Palsy Law Firm Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In extreme instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to aid their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can advise you on the best approach to take and ensure that all paperwork is filed before any deadlines expire. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.