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.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare circumstances things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical situation. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to avoid complications. It could also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

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

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery and puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged do not get repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy law firm Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are injured and cause Horner's syndrome, which is a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You may be able to claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it signifies that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some are left with an ongoing disability that affects the movement and sensation of their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe your child's condition is the result of an unintentional medical error at birth, you might be able to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for the treatment of their child. It may also provide them with a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause in the diagnosis, it is crucial to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can provide you with advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.