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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other issues.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is usually caused by a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare cases things can be a mess. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during the delivery, which puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then the child may be left with permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, lawyers except for the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently it may also affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

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 usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have an breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is identified as having Erb's Palsy, it indicates that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to improve range of motion. This can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to ease the movement and reduce stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you suspect that your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also bring them a sense of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

erb's palsy attorneys palsy lawsuit settlements will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child and other treatments and equipment needed to treat their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause in this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy as soon as you can. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chances of securing compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.