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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically caused by a difficult or premature delivery.

Causes

In rare instances things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

byron erb's palsy law firm Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's syndrome 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. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is important for doctors to recognize 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 even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck. They control sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's usually caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to twelve 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 damaged don't get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering 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 impairment and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence in the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to do vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If a baby's diagnosis is as having Erb's Palsy, it indicates that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Treatment is focused on 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 might also suggest an extension splint, vimeo which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error at the time of their birth, you could be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also bring them a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can pay for physiotherapy as well as other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation 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 medical negligence was the cause it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy immediately. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.