Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused due to nerve damage in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis, as well as other issues.
This birth injury can be caused by medical negligence. It often links to the birth process being rushed or difficult particularly when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.
Causes
On rare occasions there are occasions when things be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors can help in the event that your child suffers an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice, such as Erb’s palsy.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause the hand to be unable to move and grip the hand that is affected.
There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia, a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with risk factors like gestational diabetes, large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is essential to recognize this and understand 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 even by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of Erb's palsy are a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Typically, the symptoms begin to manifest between six and 12 months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery, which puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system that is part of the Brachial plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, 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 variety of treatments to reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.
The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius can cause symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. Less frequently, it can also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's palsy sign, a hand that resembles a waiter's tip, unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by a drooping pupil and a tightened face.
You can sue for medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is often caused by excessive force applied to the baby during birth. This can include using vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps used incorrectly. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to perform an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachialplexus regulate movement and sensation in the hands and arms. If an infant 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 however some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects movement and sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. This can be achieved in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to pay for the treatment of their child. It could also provide them with a an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can cover the cost of physiotherapy as well as other equipment or treatments needed to help your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. erb's palsy lawyer florida of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term cost of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.