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 result in paralysis as well as other issues.
Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often caused by a difficult or rushed delivery.
Causes
In rare cases, things can be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.
erb's palsy attorney gary can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important that doctors recognise this and be able to react quickly 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 are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of the birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It is often the result of medical errors during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during birth which places strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that is part of the Brachial plexus.
Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft restore the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, the child could suffer permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are a variety of treatment options for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury is not fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.
The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 and less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign the waiter's tip hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include the pupil drooping and a tightened face.
You may be able to claim medical negligence If your child has Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also involve a doctor who is not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.
Treatment
The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it indicates that nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some suffer from a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. It can be done in a variety of ways including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.
A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation to treat their child. 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 in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physical therapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment required to support your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence played a role, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to take and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled. This will help pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.