Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.
This birth injury can be the result of medical negligence. This birth injury is typically linked to a difficult or premature delivery.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually are normal, however, on the rare occasion something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice like Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grip the hand that is affected.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women with certain risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is crucial that doctors recognize this and understand how to respond quickly in order 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 by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack in movement in the affected hand or arm and a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest between six and twelve months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck, controlling sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If they become damaged, the nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected arm and hand.
It's often caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful delivery when the infant is placed in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves of the upper trunk that are part of the brachial plexus.
Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves damaged don't get repaired, a child could have permanent disabilities that limit their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. A few infants suffer from significant disability, and are unable to move their arms, hands or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6 and less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable pronate or extend the forearm. In some cases, the nerves that are injured can cause Horner's syndrome, which is a pupils that are drooping, and a chin that is constricted.
It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during the birth that causes a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force being applied to the baby during delivery. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a doctor who isn't able to control shoulder dystocia correctly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean would be more suitable.
erb's palsy attorney california that form the brachial nerve control movement and feel in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it indicates that the nerves are damaged. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.
The treatment is centered around physical therapy which aims to increase the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in many ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint, which can aid in movement and avoid stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you think that your child's illness was caused by an error made by a doctor during their birth, then you could be eligible to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange to treat their child. It can also bring them satisfaction and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial nerve injury.
Settlements in the Erb's palsy lawsuit can be used to pay for the cost of physiotherapy for your child as well as other treatments and equipment required to treat their condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They will be able to provide advice on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This will increase your chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the highest amount of compensation you're entitled to. This could help offset the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to lead a fulfilled life.