Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.
The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare cases it is possible for things to 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 seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand that is affected.
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 gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women who have certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is important for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to prevent complications. It could also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's symptoms are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear six to twelve months after the birth.
The brachialplexus nerve system that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the arm, fingers, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It's usually caused by a medical error during childbirth, for
Erb's palsy lawsuits example a doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during birth, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system that is part of the Brachial Plexus.
Most infants who suffer an injury from a stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected aren't repaired, children may suffer from an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which is the main muscle of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less frequently affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by an elongated pupil and constricted face.
You can claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also involve doctors not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachialplexus control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.
The treatment is centered around physical therapy that seeks to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be done in different ways, such as passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves using a nerve graft.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements from the
Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy for
Erb's Palsy Lawsuits your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
You should contact an
erb's palsy law firm Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can provide you with suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.