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

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

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is typically linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births are normal, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important to recognize this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It could also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear within six to twelve months of the birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement 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 instance a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to fix the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves don't get repaired then a child could be left with permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This is the most common Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are injured and cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This could include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with erb's palsy law firms palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and exercises for Erb's palsy lawsuits passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could provide families with financial compensation to treat their child. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed to aid their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.