Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and other problems.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed delivery.
Causes
In rare circumstances things can be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.
Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to the muscles, allowing them to move. Damage to the brachial tract may result in the inability to grip and move the affected hand.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common with certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative to recognize this and know how to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or through an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest six to twelve months after birth.
The brachialplexus is an intricate network of nerves that run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, managing motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example the doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is held in a 'waiter's point posture, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk that are part of the brachial system.
The majority of infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve months in most cases, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves affected don't get repaired the child may suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects, but the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers.
The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury is usually to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. This is characterized by an elongated pupil and tightened face.
You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or opting to have a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that comprise the brachial system control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months but some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.
Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. erb's palsy lawyer mckinney can also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with flexibility and prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve graft could be required to repair damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, education, and support. If you believe your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, then you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could give families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also help them feel the feeling of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.
Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other equipment and treatments to help their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence played a role in this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy as soon as possible. They can guide you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before any deadlines end. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist lawyers for erb's palsy can help you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.