Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is an injury to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.
The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It often links to an uneasy or rushed birth, especially when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.
Causes
Pregnancies and births generally go well however, on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for the ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical signals to muscles in order to enable them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a loss of ability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of factors. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head is stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. It can happen more frequently in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is important for doctors to recognize this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or an extractor vacuum during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.
Symptoms
Erb's palsy is defined by a lack of movement of the arm or hand affected, as well as a weak grip. The symptoms usually manifest within six to twelve months of birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine down both sides of the neck, managing sensation and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It's usually caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like an unintentional pull by a doctor to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during delivery, which puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus.
The majority of infants who sustain a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months and are usually able to return home within six months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not treated then a child could be left with permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are several treatments for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however, the damage cannot be fully repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability, and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
The symptoms are caused by an injury to the brachial area which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classic Erb's syndrome which is a waiter's tips type hand which cannot pronate or flex the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves can also cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.
You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. erb's palsy lawsuit kansas city is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It could also be doctors not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to give birth via an breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would be more suitable.
Treatment
The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus control movements and sensations in the hand and arm. When a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's Palsy, it means that the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, but some have a permanent disability that restricts movement and feeling in their arm.
Physical therapy is a method to improve the range of motion. Passive exercises and stretching are a great way to achieve this. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint specifically designed to aid in movements and reduce stiffness. Surgical intervention may be required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves using the nerve graft.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to the maximum, and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical care at the time of their birth, you could be eligible to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could be able to award families financial compensation in exchange for the treatment they received from their child. It could also give them satisfaction and make medical professionals aware of who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy sessions for your child as well as other treatments and equipment needed to support their condition. You may also be compensated for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence was the cause in the diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as you can. They can guide you on the best way to move forward and ensure all necessary paperwork is filed before deadlines end. This will give you the greatest chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert Erb's palsy lawyers will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term cost of your child's disability and make sure that they have everything they need to live a happy life.