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

Erb's palsy can cause an injury to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis, as well as other issues.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can result in a challenging or rushed delivery in particular when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.

Causes

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

Erb's Palsy is a condition with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder or arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as large babies or Erb's palsy Lawsuit infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors recognise this and know how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear in the six to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls the movement and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's usually the result of a medical error during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that form part of the brachial nerve.

The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit 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 damage is not able to be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. This can cause the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

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 being applied to the baby during delivery. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a physician who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movements and sensations in the hand and arm. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it indicates that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you think that your child's illness was caused by an error in medical care at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel satisfaction and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to treat their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They will be able to provide suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of experts in erb's-palsy can help you get the most money you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.