5 Erb s Palsy Case Tips From The Professionals
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually are a breeze, but on the rare occasion things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is essential for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show between six and 12 months following birth.
The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. These nerves, if damaged, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It's usually the result of a medical error during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a violent birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which form part of the brachial.
The majority of infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, then a child may have an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's syndrome the waiter's tip hand which cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted.
It is possible to make an action for medical negligence in the birth of an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It can also include doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.
The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation could assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe that your child's erb's palsy attorney Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It may also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to treat their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and ensure that all required paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This will ensure you have the best chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.