Erb's Palsy Case: The Ultimate Guide To Erb's Palsy Case

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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can lead to paralysis as well as a variety of other issues.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It can result in a challenging or Erb's Palsy Lawyer rushed delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare cases there are occasions when things happen to 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 weakness of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Damage to the brachial tract can cause an inability to grip and move the hand affected.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Symptoms

Erb's symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 months following birth.

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.

It's typically caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, like the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during birth which places strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.

Most infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to twelve months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to fix the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected do not get repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

There are many treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's syndrome the waiter's tip hand which cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In certain cases, nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a constricted face.

You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This includes using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps in a way that is not properly. This can include a doctor who is unable to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to perform a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean birth would be more suitable.

Treatment

The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it signifies that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.

Treatment is focused on physical therapy which aims to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint, which can assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through an graft of nerves.

A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and have access to essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to help pay for the treatment of their child. It may also provide them with an awareness of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy will help pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child in addition to other equipment and treatments needed to treat their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to provide suggestions on how you can proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of success in securing compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.