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

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

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go well but on the rare occasion something goes 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 seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest within six to twelve months of birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck. They control motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's usually caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will 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 nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not treated, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the impact, but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus which is the main muscle of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This can cause the erb's palsy lawyer Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by an elongated pupil and constricted face.

You can claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby's diagnosis is with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child with an erb's palsy law firm Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to pay for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel an awareness of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to help their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This will ensure you have the best chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists will assist you in getting the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.