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.

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

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go smoothly, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grasp and move the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, controlling movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It is often caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For example, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery which places strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention using a nerve graft to fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, a child could have a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage cannot be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. This can cause the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.

It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could include a physician who does not control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. If you find a baby with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you suspect that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor during their birth, then you may be eligible to make an erb's palsy attorney Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

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

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy lawyer palsy and you believe that medical negligence played a role it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer for Vimeo Erb's palsy as soon as possible. They can provide you with advice on how to proceed and Vimeo ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.