All The Details Of Erb s Palsy Case Dos And Don ts
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an erb's palsy law firm Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis and other issues.
Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. This birth injury is often due to a challenging or premature delivery.
Causes
In rare cases things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, erb's palsy lawyers for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's Palsy is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis in the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand affected.
There are many causes of Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common in certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential 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 a vacuum extractor during labour or during an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, symptoms manifest between six and 12 months after the birth.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spine down both sides of the neck, controlling movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is often the result of birth-related medical errors. For example, a doctor pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It could result from a violent birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tippy position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which form part of the brachial nerve.
Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the damaged nerves are not treated then a child could be left with an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury is not fully healed. Some infants are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by an elongated pupil and constricted face.
It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence in the birth that causes a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This can include a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to give birth via the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.
Treatment
The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. It can be done in various ways, including stretching exercises that are passive and. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgery may be required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves by the use of a nerve graft.
A claim for compensation could assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest and access essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you believe that your child's condition is the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to make an erb's palsy lawsuit Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It may also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy as well as other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence may have played a part it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy as soon as possible. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.