Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.
Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from a disability that was brought on by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.
Erb's Palsy is a condition that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury can result in an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more frequent in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors are aware of this and know how to react quickly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of Erb's Palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within six to 12 months following birth.
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. erb's palsy law firm greeley regulates movements and sensations of the arm, fingers and hand. If they are damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.
It's typically caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which are part of the brachial nerve.
The majority of infants who suffer injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected aren't repaired, children may suffer from a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, but the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that connects all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and tightened face.
It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence at the time of the birth of an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can include using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also be a doctor who is not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is a method to improve range of motion. This can be accomplished in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves by an graft of nerves.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can provide families with financial compensation to treat their child. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment that are required to aid your child's needs. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can offer suggestions on how you can proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.