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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 result in paralysis as well as other problems.

The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is often linked to a difficult or rushed delivery.

Causes

Most pregnancies and births go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help when your child suffers from a disability that was caused by medical negligence such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to the muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause the hand to be unable to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.

There are many causes of Erb's Palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is important to recognize this and know how to respond quickly in order 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

Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and weak grip strength. Symptoms typically manifest about six to twelve months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine along both sides of the neck, controlling movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm.

It is often the result of medical mistakes during childbirth. For example doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a violent birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial nerve.

Most infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, the child could suffer permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classic Erb's Palsy sign which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable to pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and tightened face.

You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also involve doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the hand and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it indicates that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. This can be achieved in various ways, Erb's palsy lawyers including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist may also suggest a specialist extension splint to help with movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme 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 have access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you think that your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care at birth, you could be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It can also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed to support their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.

You should seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can offer suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will give you the best chance of securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.