Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other issues.
The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare instances things can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the affected hand.
There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently with certain risk factors, including gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical situation. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and know what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb's palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.
The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that runs from the spine along both sides of the neck, managing movements and sensations in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It is often caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder too much (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's tippy' position, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that form part of the brachial system.
Most infants who suffer from injuries to their limbs recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged are not treated the child may suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage is not fully healed. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Less frequently it may also affect C7. This causes the classic sign of Erb's palsy which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. This is characterized by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.
You can claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. This could include a doctor who does not treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to have a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed as having the condition Erb's - it indicates that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some have a long-term disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.
erb's palsy lawsuit arlington is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe instances, a nerve graft may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, then you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may award families financial compensation that will help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits will cover the cost of physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment that are required to help your child's condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have played a part, it is important to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer immediately. They can give you advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can assist you in obtaining the most money you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term expenses of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to live a fulfilling life.