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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent with certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by forceps or vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arms, and Erb's palsy Lawsuits hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that form part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft restore the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not treated, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence at the time of the birth that causes a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to assist with flexibility and Erb's Palsy lawsuits prevent stiffness. In the case of severe instances, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, treatment, and assistance. If you believe that your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake at the time of their birth, you may be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also help them feel 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; anchor, will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can give you suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.