Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy can cause damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. erb's palsy lawsuit lawton can cause paralysis as well as a variety of other problems.
Medical negligence can lead to this birth injury. It can be linked to a challenging or rushed delivery particularly when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labor.
Causes
The majority of births and pregnancies go smoothly, but on the rare occasion something goes wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can assist you when your child suffers from a disability caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's Palsy.
Erb's palsy is a weakness that causes paralysis of varying degrees in the shoulder and arm that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles, which allow them to move. Injuries to the brachialplexus could cause a decline in the ability to move and grip the hand affected.
There are a number of causes of Erb's Palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia as a result of labour that happens when the baby's head becomes stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be an emergency medical condition. It is important for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of the best way to treat it to avoid complications. It can also be caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during labour or through an emergency Cesarean section.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's symptoms include a lack of movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within six to 12 months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from the spine to both sides of the neck. It controls motion and sensation of the fingers, arm and hand. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It is often caused by birth-related medical errors. For example the doctor pushing on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It can also result from a traumatizing birth when the baby is held in a 'waiter's tips position, which causes tension on the upper trunk C5-C6 nerves which are part of the brachial system.
The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft in order to restore the injured nerves. If the nerves that are damaged don't get repaired then a child could be left with permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm.
Diagnosis
There are several treatments for children with Erb’s Palsy however the damage is not fully healed. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers.
The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which innervates all the muscles of the upper limb, except for the trapezius. The injury usually affects the upper trunks of nerves C5 and C6. However is it possible to affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that is unable to pronate or bend the forearm. In certain cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. The symptoms include the pupil drooping and a tightened face.
You can sue for medical negligence in the event that your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by excessive force being imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could be a result of a doctor who isn't able to manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to have an breech or vaginal birth when a caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The brachialplexus' nerves control movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it signifies that the nerves are injured. Most babies recover in 6 to 12 months but some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm.
Treatment is focused on physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion of the injured arm. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises, as well as passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint designed by a specialist to aid in movement and help prevent stiffness. Surgery is sometimes required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves by an graft of nerves.
A compensation claim can assist a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to essential equipment as well as education and medical. If you believe that your child's Erb's Palsy was the result of an error in medical treatment during their birth, you could be able to file a claim for financial damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation to with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also give them the feeling of justice and draw attention to medical professionals who could have prevented a brachial plexus injury.
Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can pay for physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to treat your child's disability. You may also be able to receive compensation for any loss of income or earnings due to the impairment of your child.
If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you suspect medical negligence was the cause in this, it is imperative to contact an experienced lawyer for Erb's Palsy whenever you can. They can advise you on the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary documents are filed before any deadlines run out. This increases the chances of obtaining compensation. Our team of specialized erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term expenses of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to live a full, happy and healthy life.