Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's palsy (vimeo.com) Claim

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances it is possible for things to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely with certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest in the six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and Erb's palsy hand.

It's usually the result of the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury cannot be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.

The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, causes symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This results in the classical sign of Erb's palsy, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes the child being diagnosed with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This can include a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to do an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it indicates that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. It can be done in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint, which can assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves with a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation may aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, treatment, and assistance. If you believe that your child's illness was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the care they have given their child. It could also provide them with a an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

erb's palsy attorney palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child and other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a happy life.