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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often related to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are a breeze, however, on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, Erb's Palsy for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with risk factors like gestational diabetes and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Symptoms usually appear about six to twelve months following 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 hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tip posture, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that form part of the brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This is the most common sign of Erb's palsy which is a type of waiter's hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering with erb's palsy law firm Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a doctor who fails to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby is identified as having erb's palsy lawsuits Palsy, it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is used to improve the range of motion. This can be done in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to help with movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care at birth, you could be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment of their child. It could also provide them with a a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to aid their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This will give you the best chance of success in securing 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 disabilities and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.