How To Know If You re Prepared To Erb s Palsy Case

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

erb's palsy lawsuits palsy is caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. The birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

On rare occasions, things can be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a loss of ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and be able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand Erb's Palsy Lawsuits affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery which places strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, a child could have a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

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

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In severe cases, a graft of nerves could be required to repair damaged nerves.

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

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It could also give them an awareness of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other treatments and equipment needed to aid their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy as soon as possible. They can assist you in the best approach to take and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This will give you the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialized lawyers for erb's palsy can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.