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

Erb's Palsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as a variety of other problems.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

In rare cases it is possible for things to occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are many causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and are able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck. They control movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. These nerves, if damaged, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth which places strain on the C5-C6 nerve 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 some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired then a child could be left with an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury can not be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 and less frequently affects C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases the nerves are injured and cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also involve the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or opting to have vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that form the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. If a baby's diagnosis is as having the condition Erb's - it means that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy that seeks to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe your child's condition was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able to claim an erb's palsy law firms Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It could also provide them with a a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to support your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an erb's palsy lawyers palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can guide you on the best approach to take and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines run out. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy Law firms palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.