Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy can cause damage to the network of nerves in the shoulder, arm and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.
The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.
Causes
In rare circumstances there are occasions when things be a mess. Hudgell Solicitors will help you if your child has a disability that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grip the affected hand.
There are a number 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. It is more common in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes and large babies or infants. Shoulder dystocia is an emergency medical condition. erb's palsy attorney columbia is important for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It could also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Usually, the symptoms appear between six and 12 months after the birth.
The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that run from the spine to both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.
It's typically caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, such as an unintentional pull by a doctor to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during birth that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms 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 certain cases are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, a child may have permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are a variety of treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage can not be fully repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus which is the main muscle of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that is unable to pronate nor flex the forearm. In a few cases, injured nerves also cause Horner's syndrome, which is a drooping of the pupil and a constricted chin.
It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence in the birth of a child suffering from Erb's Palsy. 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 doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves of the brachialplexus control the movement and feel of the hands and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from an ongoing disability that affects the movement and sensation of their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy that aims to increase the range of motion of the injured arm. Stretching and passive exercises are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to ease movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to reconstruct damaged nerves through the use of a nerve graft.
A claim for compensation can help a child suffering from an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest, and access essential equipment, medical care, and support. If you think that your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake at birth, you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can give families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements from the Erb's Palsy lawsuits can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment needed to treat their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability.
You should seek out an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can advise you on the best approach to take and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines run out. This will increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This can help you with the long-term expenses of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy, healthy life.