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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other problems.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. It can be linked to an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go well but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a condition of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and be able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

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

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

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who sustain an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, children may suffer from a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

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

The injury to the brachial plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However, it can also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This can include a doctor who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to do the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it indicates that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you think that your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to fund their child's medical treatment. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can assist you in the most effective way to proceed and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy attorneys-palsy specialists can help you get the most money you're entitled. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.