Why Erb s Palsy Case Is The Next Big Obsession

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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and Erb's Palsy lawsuits hand. This can lead to paralysis and a range of other issues.

This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.

Causes

Pregnancies and births generally go well however, on the rare occasion something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you in the event that your child suffers a disability that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can result in the inability to move and grip the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more prevalent in women with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical condition. It is vital for doctors to be aware of this and know what to do to prevent complications. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms show in the six to 12 months after the birth.

The brachialplexus nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the arm, fingers and hand. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.

It's usually the result of the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful birth, especially if the infant is held in a 'waiter's point posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected don't get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the impact, but the injury will never be fully healed. Some children are left with a significant disability and are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.

It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition can be caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or opting to have vaginal or breech birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment

The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and erb's Palsy lawsuits passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the use of a nerve graft.

A claim for compensation could aid a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, medical care, and assistance. If you think your child's Erb's Palsy was caused by an error in medical care during their birth, you might be able file a claim for financial damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also give them a sense of justice and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment required to aid their condition. You could also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer as soon as you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can provide you with guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists can assist you to receive the most compensation to which you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.