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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. The birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

In rare instances there are occasions when things be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can help if your child has a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder or arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

There are a variety of causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential that doctors recognize this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. Symptoms typically appear about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

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

Most infants who suffer an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, the child could suffer a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury 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 branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently, it can also affect C7. This is the most common Erb's syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also involve a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with an ongoing disability that affects the movement and sensation of their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to ease the movement and reduce stiffness. In severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you think that your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake during their birth, then you might be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It can also bring them satisfaction and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

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

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause it is essential to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy immediately. They can guide you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This will give you the best chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.