Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system 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. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you if your child has a disability caused by medical negligence such as Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical messages to the muscles to allow them move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.
There are a variety of causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull is stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This can be more common with certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It could also occur by forceps or vacuum extractors or have an emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's spalsy is identified by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest about six to twelve months following the birth.
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. These nerves, if damaged may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is often caused by medical errors during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during the delivery which places strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that is part of the Brachial plexus.
Most infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the damaged nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, then the child may be left with a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, but the damage is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants are left with significant disability and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.
The damage to the brachial-plexus which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, except for the trapezius results in symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper branches of nerves C5 or C6. However is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable pronate or stretch the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves can also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a chin that is constricted.
It is possible to make a claim for medical negligence during the birth process that results in a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to give birth via the vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that make up the brachial nerve control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months however some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits the movement and sensation of their arm.
Physical therapy can be used to improve range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend a specialist extension splint to aid in flexibility and prevent stiffness. In erb's palsy lawyer hawaii , a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help pay for their child's treatment. It could also provide them with a an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physiotherapy and any other equipment or treatments needed to help your child's condition. You could also receive compensation for any lost income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause in the diagnosis, it is crucial to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy whenever you can. They can guide you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed prior to when any deadlines expire. This will give you the highest chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will help pay for the long-term costs associated with your child's disability, and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full and happy life.