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

Erb's palsy is caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

In rare cases there are occasions when things happen to 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 their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles in order to enable them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve may result in the inability to grasp and move the hand in the affected area.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors recognise 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 the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

erb's palsy lawsuits palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the arm, fingers, and hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the damaged nerves don't get repaired then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, causes symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it possible to affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In certain cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include pupils that are drooping as well as a tightened face.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could include a doctor who is unable to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to have vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it means that nerves are injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend a specialist extension splint to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you think your child's erb's palsy attorney Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy, as well as any other equipment or treatments needed to aid your child's needs. You could also receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence was the cause, it is important to get in touch with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as you can. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.