Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb’s Palsy Claim
Erb’s spalsy is caused by nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth, especially when the baby’s shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare cases it is possible for things to happen to go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you when your child suffers from a disability that was brought on by medical negligence like Erb’s palsy.
Erb’s Palsy is a condition with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve can result in an inability to grip and move the hand that is affected.
There are several reasons for Erb’s palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby’s skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother’s. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or Erb’s palsy lawsuit an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative to recognize this and are able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Erb’s palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as a weak grip. Symptoms usually appear six to twelve months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck. They control movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.
It is usually caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby’s shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a ‘waiter’s tips’ position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerves which form part of the brachial system.
Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don’t get repaired, a child could have a permanent disability that affects 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. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.
The injury to the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This is the most common sign of Erb’s palsy the waiter’s tip hand that is unable pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner’s disease, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.
You can claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb’s Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to do vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that make up the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with erb’s palsy law firms palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.
Physical therapy can be used to increase the range of motion. This can be achieved in various ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to assist with flexibility and Erb’s Palsy Lawsuit prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb’s Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you suspect that your child’s illness was caused by an unintentional medical error during their birth, then you could be able to submit an Erb’s Palsy claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for their child’s treatment. It could also give them a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial nerve injury.
Settlements in the Erb’s palsy lawsuit can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other equipment and treatments to help their condition. You could also receive compensation 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 was the cause, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb’s Palsy as soon as you can. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all paperwork is filed before any deadlines end. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb’s palsy specialists will assist you in getting the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child’s disability and make sure that they have everything they require to live a fulfilling life.