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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go smoothly, however, on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical situation. It is essential for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the arm, fingers and hand. If damaged, these nerves, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery that puts stress on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged do not get repaired, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety options to treat the effects but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus, which provides all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently is it possible to affect C7. This is the most common Erb's palsy sign the waiter's tip hand that is unable pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves also cause Horner's Syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It can also include a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. 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 suffer from a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase the range of motion. It can be done in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint to aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

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

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs of your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.