Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is an injury to the network of nerves in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.
This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically related to a difficult or rushed delivery.
Causes
In rare circumstances there are occasions when things be a mess. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Abrachial plexus injury can cause an inability to grip and move the affected hand.
There are a variety of reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and know how to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. Typically, erb's palsy attorney cary begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.
It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during delivery which places strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which is part of the Brachial plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer from a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not treated, the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage is not fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. However is it also affecting C7. This results in the classical Erb's syndrome the waiter's tip hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.
You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It could also involve the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a caesarean section earlier would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial system control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to aid in the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.
A claim for compensation could help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe that your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to pay for their child's treatment. It can also bring them an awareness of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can be used to pay for the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other equipment and treatments to support their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.
If your child was diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have played a part in the diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can give you guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.