The Reasons Erb's Palsy Case Is Everywhere This Year

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

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

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances it is possible for things to occur that go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with risk factors like gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy include a lack of motion in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear about six to twelve months following the birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips' position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that are part of the brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged aren't repaired, children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable to move their hand, arm 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 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to give birth via vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having the condition Erb's - it signifies that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be done in a variety of ways including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the most severe instances, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and support. If you suspect that your child's condition was caused by an unintentional medical error during their birth, you may be eligible to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment of their child. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

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

You should contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.