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

Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.

Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It can be linked to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go well but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you if your child has a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis that is varying in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrachial plexus injury may result in the inability to grasp and move the hand affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck over the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognise this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest six to twelve months after the birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extend from the spine along both sides of the neck, controlling sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. These nerves, if damaged can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's usually caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth that puts stress on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.

The majority of infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs or legs will recover within six to 12 months. However certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected are not treated then a child could be left with permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands 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 usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it possible to affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from erb's palsy attorney Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during birth. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It can also mean a doctor who is not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If you find a baby with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy is a method to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In the case of severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe your child's condition is the result of a medical mistake at the time of their birth, you could be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit may be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It may also provide them with the feeling of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child and other treatments and equipment needed to treat their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.

You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will give you the greatest chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.