5 Erb's Palsy Case-Related Lessons From The Professionals

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

Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other problems.

This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.

Causes

In rare instances it is possible for things to occur that go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance 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 that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Damage to the brachial tract could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand affected.

There are many causes of Erb's palsy. It can 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 is more frequent in women who have certain risk factors like gestational diabetics and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial that doctors are aware of this and know how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Erb's Palsy are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months after birth.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling movements and sensations in the hand, arm and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.

It's often caused by an error in medical care during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which are part of the brachial system.

Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired and rehabilitated, a child could suffer a permanent disability that affects their ability to move their arm.

Diagnosis

For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury can never be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius.  erb's palsy lawsuit virginia  is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. It is less often, however is it also affecting C7. The result is the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.

You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The brachialplexus nerves control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby's diagnosis is with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are damaged. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.

Physical therapy can be used to improve the range of motion. This can be achieved in different ways, such as stretching exercises that are passive and. A physiotherapist might also suggest a specialist extension splint to aid in movements and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in extreme cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the nerve graft.

A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, you may be able to make a claim for monetary damages.

Compensation

A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help fund their child's medical treatment. It can also give them a sense justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other equipment and treatments needed to help their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.

It is recommended to seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can guide you on the best approach to take and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed before any deadlines run out. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.