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

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

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

On rare occasions, things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Abrachial plexus injury can result in an inability to grip and Vimeo move the hand affected.

There are a variety of reasons for erb's palsy attorney palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetics and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is important for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus nerve system that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the fingers, arms and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves could cause weakness or Vimeo partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which form part of the brachial system.

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 with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child could suffer a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety options to treat the effects, however the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However it may also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial nerve control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in various ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to help with the movement and reduce stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, vimeo education, and care. If you believe your child's illness was caused by an error made by a doctor at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

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

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment needed to help your child's condition. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to provide suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist lawyers for erb's palsy can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.