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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. The birth injury is usually due to a challenging or premature delivery.

Causes

In rare cases things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Damage to the brachial tract can result in an inability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, including gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and understand how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear six to twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. These nerves, if damaged, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tip posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, then the child may be left with an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects, but the damage is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during the birth of the child being diagnosed with litchfield erb's palsy lawyer Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also include a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby's diagnosis is with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through an graft of nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, you could be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for Eaton erb's palsy lawyer the treatment they received from their child. It could also give them an awareness of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

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

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist jeannette Erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy lawyers can assist you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.