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. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally are a breeze, Erb's palsy however, on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the affected hand.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential to recognize this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. 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.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack in movement in the affected arm or Erb's palsy hand and weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest six to twelve months after the birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's usually the result of an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which is the main muscle of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less often affects C7. This is the most common sign of Erb's palsy, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are injured and cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth of the child being diagnosed with windsor heights erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a physician who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial system control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it signifies that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you suspect that your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

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

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child and other treatments and equipment needed to help their condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause it is essential to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They can offer suggestions on how you can proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.