Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an erb's palsy law firms Palsy Claim

Erb's palsy can cause damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis and a range of other problems.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are normal, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are many reasons for Erb's palsy. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent in certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important to recognize this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. 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 typically appear six to twelve months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is usually caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a traumatizing birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tip position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.

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

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the impact, but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.

You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the arm and hand. If a baby is identified as having erb's palsy law firms Palsy, it means that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to ease the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also provide them with a an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other equipment or treatments needed to help your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have played a part in this, it is imperative to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They will be able to advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.