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

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

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as erb's palsy lawyer palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder, Erb's Palsy lawyer affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grasp and move the hand affected.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes, infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize 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.

Symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine along both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a violent delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tips posture, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged don't get repaired the child may suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the impact, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, results in symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome the waiter's tip hand that is unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also be a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or opting to have vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus manage movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the case of severe instances, a nerve graft may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe that your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence was the cause it is essential to get in touch with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed before any deadlines expire. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.