A Guide To Erb's Palsy Case From Beginning To End

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

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

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. erb's palsy attorneys tracy to an uneasy or rush delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go smoothly, but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors recognize this and are able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen by forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show within 6 to 12 months after birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

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

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated then a child could be left with permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, causes symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or extend the forearm. In a few cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by an elongated pupil and tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could include a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it indicates 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 can be used to improve range of motion. It can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint that is specifically designed to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It may also provide them with satisfaction and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child and other equipment and treatments to help their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers 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 disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.