Why Erb's Palsy Case Is Everywhere This Year
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy can cause damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis, as well as other issues.
The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. The birth injury is usually linked to a difficult or premature delivery.
Causes
On rare occasions things can occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand affected.
There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more common in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetics, as well as infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months following birth.
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It's often caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as doctors pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tip posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which form part of the brachial plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention using a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not treated, the child could suffer an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury can not be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.
The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.
You can claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This can include a doctor who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to help their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.
If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, it is imperative to get in touch with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as you can. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the greatest chance of getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.