Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is a result of an injury to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.
The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. This birth injury is typically linked to a difficult or premature delivery.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually are a breeze, however, on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical negligence, such as Erb’s palsy.
Erb's Palsy is a condition of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to 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 is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's skull gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It could also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.
Symptoms
Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within 6 to 12 months following birth.
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. If damaged, erb's palsy law firm fontana could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is usually caused by medical errors during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery which places strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired, the child could suffer an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects but the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and cannot move their arm, hand or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius creates symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. Infrequently is it also affecting C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor stretch the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.
You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using a vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. This could be a result of a doctor who is unable to manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to have the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus manage movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it indicates that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.
The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft might be required to rebuild damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe your child's Palsy was caused by an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be able to make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.
You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to live a fulfilling life.