How Erb's Palsy Case Transformed My Life For The Better
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's paralysis is caused by an injury to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.
Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare circumstances it is possible for things to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis that is varying in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, allowing them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus can cause an inability to grasp and move the hand affected.
There are many causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's syndrome can be caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is crucial to recognize this and be able to respond swiftly to avoid complications for the baby. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or the use of a vacuum extractor during labor or during an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected and an inability to grip. Symptoms typically appear within six to twelve months of the birth.
The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the fingers, arms, and hand. If damaged, these nerves could cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand.
It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a traumatic birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's point position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that form part of the brachial nerve.
The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves affected don't get repaired the child may suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a number options to treat the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand, or fingers.
The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus, which provides all the muscles of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 and less frequently affects C7. This is the reason for the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor stretch the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, which is a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.
It is possible to make an action for medical negligence in a birth that leads to a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also involve doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform a breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean section earlier would be more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that make up the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it means that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is utilized to increase the range of motion. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint which will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves with the nerve graft.
A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to help fund their child's medical treatment. It may also provide them with a sense of justice and call attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements will help pay for the costs of physiotherapy for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability.
You should contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure all necessary documents are filed before any deadlines end. This increases your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of erb's-palsy specialists can help you get the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled to. erb's palsy law firm carson can help you with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.