Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other issues.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed delivery.
Causes
Most pregnancies and births are a breeze, but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.
Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can result in the inability to move and grip the hand affected.
There are several causes of Erb's syndrome. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetes and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by forceps or vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Erb's Palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. The symptoms usually manifest within six to twelve months of birth.
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the fingers, arm and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is often caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can result from a violent birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which form part of the brachial.
Most infants who sustain injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not treated, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
The injury to the brachial plexus, which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently it may also affect C7. This can cause the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. The symptoms include an elongated pupil and tightened face.
It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This can include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to do vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The brachialplexus' nerves control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months,
Erb's palsy lawsuits but some have a long-term disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is utilized to improve the range of motion. This can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often required in cases of extreme severity to reconstruct damaged nerves through the nerve graft.
A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe that your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation that will help pay for their child's treatment. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for
Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to support your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer for
erb's palsy lawsuits palsy as soon as possible. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the highest chances of securing compensation. Our team of experts in erb's-palsy can assist you in obtaining the most money you're entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a full and happy life.