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

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

Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labor.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go smoothly, but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are many causes of Erb's Palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical situation. It is essential for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

erb's palsy law firms Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms show between six and 12 months following birth.

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

It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tip position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial.

Most infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves affected are not treated, a child may have an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the impact, but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also be a doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's palsy, it means that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest a specialist extension splint to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves with an graft of nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, you may be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence played a role in the diagnosis, it is crucial to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and make sure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.