A Guide To Erb's Palsy Case From Start To Finish
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim Erb's palsy is damage to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other issues. Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor. Causes In rare instances it is possible for things to be a mess. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, for instance Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you claim compensation for their ongoing suffering. Erb's'Palsy' is a weakness with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles to allow them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grip the affected hand. There are several causes of Erb's syndrome. Erb's Palsy can be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a condition that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the mother’s pubic bone. This is more likely with certain risk factors including gestational diabetes and an infant or baby who is too large. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative to 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 through an emergency Cesarean section. Symptoms Symptoms of Erb's palsy include a lack in movement in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip. Symptoms typically manifest about six to twelve months following birth. The brachialplexus is the name of a nerve system which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates movements and sensations of the arm, fingers and hand. If they become damaged, the nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand. It's typically caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, such as a doctor pulling too hard to release a baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also happen when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during birth and puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system that forms part of the Brachial Plexus. Most infants who suffer injuries to their limbs or legs will recover in six to 12 months. However there are erb's palsy attorneys maine that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves affected are not repaired the child may suffer permanent impairment that hinders their ability to move their arm. Diagnosis For children who suffer from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the impact, but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable to move their hand, arm or fingers. The injury to the brachial-plexus, which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, can cause symptoms. The most common injury is to the upper nerves of C5 or C6. It is less often, however it may also affect C7. This causes the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate or bend the forearm. In some cases the injured nerves can also cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin. It is possible to file an action for medical negligence during the birth of a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is because the condition is typically caused by excessive force applied to the baby during delivery. This can result from using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum extraction) incorrectly. It can also mean the doctor not controlling shoulder dystocia properly, or opting to have vaginal birth or breech when an earlier caesarean section would be more appropriate. Treatment The brachialplexus' nerves control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If you find a baby with Erb's Palsy, it means the nerves have been injured. The majority of babies recover within six to 12 months. However, some suffer from permanent disabilities that limit movement and sensation in their arm. Physical therapy is a method to increase range of motion. Stretching and passive exercises can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist may also recommend an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the most severe cases, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves. A claim for compensation may help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you believe that your child's condition was the result of an error made by a doctor at the time of their birth, you may be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money. Compensation A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It may also give them an appreciation for justice and draw attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial plexus injury. Erb's palsy lawsuit settlements can assist in covering the costs of physiotherapy for your child, as well as other treatments and equipment required to support their condition. They also offer compensation for any loss of earnings or income caused by your child's disability. If your child has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence played a role in this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy as soon as you can. They can assist you in the best way to move forward and make sure that all the necessary paperwork is filed before any deadlines expire. This increases your chances of receiving compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs associated with your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they require to lead a fulfilling, healthy life.