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

Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. This birth injury is typically caused by a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually are normal, however on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

erb's palsy lawyers Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical situation. It is vital for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or by having an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and weak grip strength. Usually, the symptoms appear within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that extend from the spine down both sides of the neck. They control movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery and puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, a child may have a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage can not be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.

It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during the birth that causes an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It can also mean the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to give birth via a breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it signifies that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy that aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in a variety of ways including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and have access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's condition was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you might be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can help cover the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child and other equipment and treatments needed to treat their condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can assist you in obtaining the most money you're entitled. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disability, and ensure that they are provided with everything they need to live a full and happy life.