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

Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often caused by a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are normal, however on the rare occasion something goes wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

erb's palsy attorney palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are several causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a traumatizing birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's point position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury is not fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus, which is the main muscle of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. However it may also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can file a claim for 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 when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This includes using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could include a physician who does not control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having the condition Erb's - it means that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. This can be achieved in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves by a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you think that your child's illness was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be eligible to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can grant families financial compensation to with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can give you suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled. This can help you deal with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.