Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's paralysis is caused by damage to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is often linked to a difficult or rushed delivery.
Causes
Pregnancies and births generally are a breeze, however, on the rare occasion things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers a disability that was brought on by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy is a weakness of various degrees or paralysis in the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles to allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull becomes stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It is more frequent when there are certain risk factors, including gestational diabetes and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and are able 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.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of the birth.
The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine along both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. These nerves, if damaged, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It is usually caused by medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery and puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.
The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus, which connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. It is less often, however, it can also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, which is a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor bend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves damaged may also result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.
You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during birth. This could be due to using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It can also include the doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to do a breech or vaginal birth when an earlier caesarean section would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the arm and hand. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects movement and feeling in their arm.
Physical therapy is utilized to improve range of motion. It can be done in many ways, including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist might also suggest a specialist extension splint to assist with the movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the use of a nerve graft.
A claim for compensation could help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, care, education and support. If you think that your child's condition was the result of a medical mistake at birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation that will help pay for the treatment of their child. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will cover the cost of physiotherapy in addition to any other equipment or treatments needed to aid your child's needs. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part in the diagnosis, it is crucial to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy immediately. erb's palsy lawsuit jacksonville can assist you in the best method to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines end. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.