15 Erb's Palsy Case Benefits That Everyone Should Know

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

Erb's spalsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can lead to paralysis and other problems.

Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. The birth injury is usually related to a difficult or rushed birth.

Causes

In rare circumstances there are occasions when things go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Injuries to the brachial nerve can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand that is affected.

There are a number of causes of Erb's Palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical condition. It is crucial for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to prevent complications. It can also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.

Signs and symptoms

Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear six to twelve months after birth.

The brachialplexus is a nerve network that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movements and sensations of the fingers, arms, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.

It's often caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also result from a violent birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's tips posture, which causes strain on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk which are part of the brachial plexus.

Most infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then the child may be left with an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm.

Diagnosis

There are a variety of treatment options for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.

The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper leg muscles, with the exception of the trapezius causes symptoms. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However, it can also affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome, a waiter's tip type hand which cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In certain cases, nerves that are damaged can cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by the pupil drooping and a tightened face.

You can file a claim for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the birth process. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could include a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to do a vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate.

Treatment

The nerves of the brachialplexus control movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If you find a baby with erb's palsy lawyers palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some are left with an indefinite disability that limits movement and feeling in their arm.

Physical therapy is used to increase the range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery may be necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using an graft of nerves.

A compensation claim can assist a child with erb's palsy attorney Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you think 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 grant families financial compensation that will help fund their child's medical treatment. It could also provide them with a the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.

Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to support your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.

If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause in this, it is imperative to reach out to an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer whenever you can. They can provide you with advice on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chances of securing compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.