Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's paralysis is caused by an injury to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.
Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.
Causes
On rare occasions it is possible for things to go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you if your child has an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's Palsy.
Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grasp and move the affected hand.
There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It is more common in women with risk factors, such as gestational diabetes, babies that are too big or overweight. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is important that doctors recognise this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also happen if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's palsy is defined by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Symptoms typically appear six to twelve months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves which run from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, such as the doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial.
Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs 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 do not get repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury can not be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.
erb's palsy lawsuit lynchburg to the brachial-plexus, which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius can cause symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 but less often affects C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy the waiter's tip hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are injured and cause Horner's syndrome, which is a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.
It is possible to bring a claim for medical negligence in the birth that causes a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or opting to have vaginal birth or breech in a situation where a caesarean birth would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the arm and hand. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it indicates that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, but some have a long-term disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. This can be done in many ways, 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 the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation may assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error made by a doctor at the time of their birth, you could be able to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could provide families with financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments to aid their condition. You could also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of erb's palsy specialists will assist you in getting the most compensation to which 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 happy, healthy life.