What Is Erb's Palsy Case? And How To Utilize It Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim

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

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It is often linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.

Causes

Pregnancies and births usually go well however on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy is a condition of various degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.

There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common for women who have risk factors, such as gestational diabetes, infants who are large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.

erb's palsy attorneys hawthorne and symptoms

Erb's symptoms are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest in the six to 12 months following birth.

The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that run from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's often caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery and puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial plexus.

Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch 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 in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don't get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the impact, but the injury can never be fully repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable 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, creates symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor bend the forearm. In certain cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is manifested by pupils that are drooping as well as a tightened face.

It is possible to make an action for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also include the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.

Treatment


The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.

The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In extreme cases, a graft of nerves could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.

A claim for compensation could help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe that your child's illness was caused by an unintentional medical error at birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.

Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physical therapy and any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.

If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as you can. They will be able to provide suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to live a full, happy and healthy life.