15 Shocking Facts About Erb s Palsy Case That You Didn t Know

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

Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It often links to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well however, on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand in the affected area.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with risk factors such as gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognize this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Typically, symptoms manifest within six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It is often the result of birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth which places strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged are not repaired then a child could be left with a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

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

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by an elongated pupil and constricted face.

You can sue for medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it signifies that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint, which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also help them feel satisfaction and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have been the reason, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer for erb's palsy lawsuit palsy whenever you can. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the best chance of success in 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 will help pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.