Why Erb's Palsy Case Is A Lot More Risky Than You Think
Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim 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 issues. The birth injury could be caused by medical negligence. It can be linked to the birth process being rushed or difficult, especially when the baby's shoulders are stuck during labor. Causes In rare cases things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors can help should your child suffer from a disability caused by medical negligence like Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is a weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the shoulder and arm affected by the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting electrical messages to the muscles in order to enable them to move. Injury to the brachial plexus may result in the inability to grip and move the hand affected. There are a number of causes of Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy can be caused by shoulder Dystocia, which is a complication that occurs when the baby's skull gets stuck over the mother's pubic bone. It is more frequent in women who have certain risk factors such as gestational diabetics and large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is essential that doctors are aware of this and are able to respond quickly in order to avoid complications for the baby. It can also occur when you use forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean. Symptoms Erb's palsy symptoms include a lack of motion in the affected arm or hand and a weak grip strength. Symptoms usually appear within six to twelve months of the birth. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the spine and down both sides of the neck. They control motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand. It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, for example doctors pulling too hard to free the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It could be caused by a painful birth when the baby is placed in a 'waiter's point' position, which causes tension on the C5-C6 nerves in the upper trunk which form part of the brachial system. The majority of infants who suffer an injury from a stretch recover within six to 12 months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery using a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. If the nerves damaged are not repaired, then the child could suffer an ongoing disability that impacts their ability to move and use their arm. Diagnosis For children suffering from Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments that can reduce the effects but the injury will never be fully healed. Some infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers. The injury to the brachial-plexus which is responsible for the innervation of the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 and C6 but less frequently affects C7. The result is the classic Erb's Palsy sign, a waiter tip-like hand that cannot pronate nor flex the forearm. In some instances, nerves are damaged and can result in Horner syndrome. It is evident by an elongated pupil and tightened face. You can sue for medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This could be due to using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. This can include a doctor who does not manage shoulder dystocia properly, or decides to have vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean section would be more appropriate. Treatment The nerves of the brachialplexus control sensation and movement in the hands and arms. If a baby is diagnosed as having Erb's palsy, it means that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some are left with a permanent disability affecting the movement and sensation of their arm. The treatment is centered around physical therapy, which is designed to improve the range of motion in the injured arm. It can be done in a variety of ways including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest a specialist extension splint to ease flexibility and prevent stiffness. Surgery may be required in cases of extreme severity to repair damaged nerves by the use of a nerve graft. A compensation claim can aid a child with Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest and gain access to essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's condition was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, then you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages. Compensation A successful lawsuit can award families financial compensation that will help with the cost of their child's treatment. It can also help them feel a sense of justice and bring attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury. Settlements in Erb's Palsy lawsuits can cover the cost of physical therapy in addition to any other treatments or equipment needed to help your child's condition. They can also compensate you for any loss of income or earnings due to your child's disability. If erb's palsy lawyer federal way has been diagnosed with erb's palsy and you believe that medical negligence may have been the reason it is essential to contact an experienced Erb's palsy lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all required paperwork is filed before any deadlines end. This will give you the best chance of getting compensation. Our team of specialized Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability and make sure that they are provided with everything they need to live a fulfilling life.