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

Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare instances, things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Injuries to the brachial nerve may result in the inability to grasp and move the hand lawsuits 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 head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

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

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine down both sides of the neck. They control movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. These nerves, if damaged can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery, which puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms part of the Brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, the child may be left with permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius can cause symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This can cause the Erb's-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves can also cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.

You can file a claim for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be a doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to give birth via vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that make up the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and Lawsuits support. If you think that your child's condition is the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, you might be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to pay for the treatment of their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to aid their condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chance of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term cost of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.