Erb's Palsy is caused due to damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. It can cause paralysis, as well as other problems.
The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It is often linked to an uneasy or rush delivery, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labour.
Causes
The majority of births and pregnancies go well but, on rare occasions something could go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.
Erb's palsy can be described as a weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Abrachial plexus injury could result in a loss of ability to grip and move the hand affected.
There are several causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is often caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a condition 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 like gestational diabetics and large infants or Erb's Palsy lawyers babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors recognize this and be able to respond swiftly 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 through an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within six to 12 months following birth.
The brachial plexus is a system of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating sensation and movement in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It is often caused by birth-related medical errors. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulder to hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery that puts stress on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which is part of the Brachial Plexus.
Most infants who suffer a stretch injury will recover within six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgery to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged aren't repaired, the child may be left with an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
There are many treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however, the damage can not be fully repaired. Some infants are left with significant impairment and are unable to move their hands, arms or fingers.
Symptoms are caused by injury to the brachial area which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper nerves C5 & C6 but less often affects C7. This is the reason for the Erb's-Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or stretch the forearm. In some cases, the injured nerves also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that droops and a constricted chin.
It is possible to file an action for medical negligence at the time of a birth that leads to the child being diagnosed with erb's palsy settlement Palsy. This is because this condition is often caused by excessive force exerted on the baby during the delivery process. This can include using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This can include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia correctly or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean birth would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The brachialplexus nerves control the movement and feel of the hands and arms. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's palsy, it is a sign that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months, however some have a permanent disability which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm.
Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint that is specifically designed to help with movements and reduce stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be required to repair damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its maximum, and gain access to essential equipment education, care, and equipment. If you believe that your child's illness was caused by an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be able to submit an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It can also help them feel an awareness of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can help cover the cost of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to the disability of your child.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to advise you on the best method to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed before deadlines expire. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This will help you pay for the long-term cost of your child's disability, Erb's palsy lawyers and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilled life.
