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

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

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically caused by a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare cases things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also happen when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the fingers, Erb's Palsy lawsuits arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For instance a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tip' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged are not repaired the child may suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, but the damage will never be fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles except the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This can cause the Erb's palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence during a birth that leads to the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It can also include the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control the movement and feel of the arm and hands. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint which will help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, you might be able to submit an erb's palsy attorney Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also bring them satisfaction and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment needed to treat your child's disability. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can offer advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the highest chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term cost of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.