Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is a result of damage to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis and other problems.
The birth injury could be the result of medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders become stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare cases it is possible for things to happen to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a weakness that can be varying in severity or even paralysis in the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause a decline in the ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It can happen more frequently when there are certain risk factors, like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia can be an emergency medical situation. It is important for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. erb's palsy attorney marietta can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or by having an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of 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 the name of a nerve system that runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arms, and hand. If damaged, these nerves can lead to weakness or partial paralysis of the affected hand and arm.
It is usually caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. For instance the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during the delivery and puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer from an injury from a stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves affected are not repaired, then the child may be left with 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 cannot be completely repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hands, arms or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by a trauma to the brachial plexus which connects all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. Less frequently is it also affecting C7. This is the reason for the Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand which is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In a few cases, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a drooping of the pupil and a chin that is constricted.
It is possible to bring an action for medical negligence during the birth of an infant suffering from Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is often caused when excessive force is applied to the baby during delivery. This includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also be a doctor not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to do vaginal or breech birth when an earlier caesarean section would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves that form the brachial plexus manage movement and feeling in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been damaged. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment that limits movement and sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy can be used to improve the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to help with flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgical intervention is often necessary in the most severe cases to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the fullest, and gain access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care during their birth, then you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit may provide families with financial compensation to treat their child. It can also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physiotherapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment needed to support your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause it is essential to reach out to an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and ensure that all documents are filed before any deadlines expire. This will give you the highest chances of securing compensation. Our team of experts from Erb's-Palsy can assist you to receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.