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. This can lead to paralysis, as well as other issues.
Medical negligence could cause this birth injury. It can result in the birth process being rushed or difficult in particular when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, but, on rare occasions things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you should your child suffer from a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's Palsy.
Erb's Palsy is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder and arms that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Abrasions to the brachialplexus can cause a decline in the 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 becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and the size of a baby or infant. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors are aware of this and understand how to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It could also occur by forceps, vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean.
Symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within 6 to 12 months after birth.
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls movement and sensation of the fingers, arm, and hand. These nerves, if damaged could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example a doctor pressing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' position during delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.
Most infants who suffer from a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves affected are not treated and rehabilitated, a child could suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety options to treat the impact, but the injury cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.
The injury to the brachial plexus, which is the nerve that innervates the upper limb muscles, with the exception of the trapezius creates symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper trunks of nerves C5 or C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include the pupil drooping and a tightened face.
It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by excessive force placed on the baby during the delivery process. This could include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also mean a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachial system control movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If an infant is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from an indefinite disability that limits movement and sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy can be used to increase range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint which will aid in movement and avoid stiffness. Surgical intervention may be necessary in the most severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through a nerve graft.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to essential equipment education, medical care, and other. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, you could be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the care they have given their child. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.
Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy will pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment needed to help your child's condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the disability of your child.
erb's palsy lawsuit deerfield beach is recommended to contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence may have been involved. They can offer guidance on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disabilities and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.