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

Erb's palsy can cause damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go well however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grasp and move the affected hand.

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 becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child could suffer a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and Erb's Palsy Claim use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage can not be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial nerve plexus that provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic erb's palsy lawsuit syndrome which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from erb's palsy case Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or erb's palsy claim forceps in a way that is not properly. This can include a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from erb's palsy case Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe your child's condition is the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, you might be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to help 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 can help cover the costs of physiotherapy for your child and other equipment and treatments to treat 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 compensation Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was 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 run out. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a fulfilling life.