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

Erb's palsy is an injury to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis and other issues.

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

In rare circumstances there are occasions when things go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus may result in the inability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetics, as well as babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia can be a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, controlling movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is usually caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not treated, a child could have a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a physician who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve transplant might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you suspect that your child's condition is the result of an unintentional medical error during their birth, you might be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help fund their child's medical treatment. It could also provide them with a an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to support their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence played a role it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy immediately. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.