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

Erb's paralysis is caused by an injury to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It is often linked to an uneasy or rushed birth, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare cases, things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.

alpine erb's palsy law Firm'Palsy' is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the affected hand.

There are several causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent for women who have risk factors like gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and are able to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms show within six to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck, managing movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's typically caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery, which puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to reduce the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand, or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles except the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin.

You can file a claim for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This could be a result of a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is utilized to increase range of motion. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, care, education and support. If you believe your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake at birth, you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also give them the feeling of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to treat their condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to reach out to an experienced lawyer for erb's palsy attorney palsy immediately. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialist missoula erb's palsy law firm palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and Alpine erb's palsy law firm healthy life.