Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb’s Palsy Claim
Erb’s Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of other problems.
Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery in particular when the baby’s shoulders become stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare instances it is possible for things to happen to go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb’s Palsy.
Erb’s’Palsy’ is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the affected hand.
There are a variety of causes of Erb’s Palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby’s head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother’s. It is more prevalent in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb’s palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. The symptoms usually manifest within six to twelve months of the birth.
The brachialplexus nerve system that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It’s often caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby’s head (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a violent delivery when the infant is held in a ‘waiter’s point posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.
Most infants who sustain injuries to their limbs 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 nerves that have been injured. If the nerves affected don’t get repaired, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are a variety of treatments available for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial nerve plexus that is the main muscle of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less frequently affects C7. This is the reason for the Erb’s-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.
You can file a claim for medical negligence If your child has erb’s palsy lawyer Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also mean a doctor Erb’s palsy lawsuit not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves that form the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with Erb’s palsy it means the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and feeling in their arm.
Physical therapy is a method to improve range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to help with movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb’s Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you think that your child’s condition is the result of an error made by a doctor during their birth, then you may be eligible to make an Erb’s Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can provide families with financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements in the Erb’s palsy lawsuit can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child and other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child’s disability.
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason in this, it is imperative to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb’s Palsy whenever you can. They will be able to provide suggestions on how you can proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized Erb’s palsy lawyers will help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child’s disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.