Why Erb s Palsy Case Is Your Next Big Obsession

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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other issues.

The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

The majority of births and pregnancies are normal, but on the rare occasion something could go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.

Erb's Palsy is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause a loss of ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are several causes of Erb's Palsy. It is often 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. It is more frequent with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors are aware of this and understand how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear between six and twelve months after the birth.

The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example an unintentional pull by a doctor to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's point posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged aren't repaired, the child could suffer an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This is the most common Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and constricted face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It can also include doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when an earlier caesarean section would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arms. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest a specialist extension splint to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a graft of nerves could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you suspect that your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake at the time of their birth, you might be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to pay for their child's treatment. 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.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to aid their condition. You could also receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy law firm palsy and you believe that medical negligence was the cause in the diagnosis, it is crucial to get in touch with an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy immediately. They can offer advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest 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 fulfilling life.