Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is a result of an injury to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other issues.
Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
Most pregnancies and births go well but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was 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 of varying degrees or paralysis in the shoulder or arms, that affects the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can cause a loss of 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. This is more likely with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or even by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest within six to twelve months of the birth.
The brachialplexus nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movement and sensation of the fingers, arms and hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.
It's usually caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also be caused by a traumatic delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tippy posture, which causes strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves that are part of the brachial nerve.
Most infants who sustain an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention by using a nerve graft repair the injured nerves. If the damaged nerves are not repaired, a child could have an indefinite disability that limits their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant impairment and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers.
Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial plexus, which is the main muscle of the upper limb with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves of C5 or C6. However it may also affect C7. This is the reason for the Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In erb's palsy attorney deerfield beach , nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is manifested by an elongated pupil and constricted face.
You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because the condition is usually caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also mean a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia correctly or deciding to do vaginal or breech birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The brachialplexus's nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arms. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. Passive exercises and stretching can be utilized to achieve this. A physiotherapist could also recommend an extension splint that will aid in movement and reduce stiffness. Surgery may be required in extreme cases to repair damaged nerves using an graft of nerves.
A compensation claim can help a child who has Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you might be able make a claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It can also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy for your child in addition to other treatments and equipment needed to treat their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income because of your child's disability.
You should contact an Erb's Paralysis lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can offer advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to. This could help offset the long-term costs of your child's disability, and ensure they have everything they need to live a happy life.