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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can be linked to an uneasy or rushed birth, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions things can happen to go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that happens when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is crucial for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves which run from the spine along both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the hand, arm and Erb's Palsy Lawyers fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example an unintentional pull by a doctor to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, the child could suffer an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. This results in the classical sign of erb's palsy lawsuit palsy which is a type of waiter's hand which cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You may be able to claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to do an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. 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 that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It may also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physical therapy as well as other treatments or equipment needed to aid your child's needs. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, Erb's Palsy Lawyers it is imperative to get in touch with an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will give you the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.