Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.
Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or rushed birth particularly when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare circumstances it is possible for things to happen to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance
Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand affected.
There are several causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond quickly in order 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.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, the symptoms show in the six to 12 months after birth.
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls the movement and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like an unintentional pull by a doctor to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tip position, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that form part of the brachial nerve.
Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to fix the damaged 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
For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects, however the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable move their arms, hands or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. However it may also affect C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand that cannot pronate, or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.
It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence during the birth process that results in a child suffering with
erb's palsy law firm Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This could include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to perform the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. If a baby is identified as having
erb's palsy attorney Palsy, it means that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with movements and reduce stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation may help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, treatment, and support. If you believe your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you might be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for
Erb's palsy financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child and other equipment and treatments to help their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence was the cause in the diagnosis, it is crucial to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They can offer advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your 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 with the long-term expenses of your child's disability and make sure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.