15 Amazing Facts About Erb's Palsy Case You've Never Heard Of

Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim Erb's palsy is an injury to the nerve system in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems. Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. The birth injury is usually due to a challenging or rushed delivery. Causes The majority of births and pregnancies go well however, on the rare occasion something can go wrong. If your child was born with a disability caused by medical negligence, such as Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you seek compensation for their ongoing suffering. Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of various degrees in the arm and shoulder that affects the brachial plexus nerves. These nerves transmit electrical messages to the muscles in order to enable them to move. The brachialplexus is abrasion that can cause the hand to be unable to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury. There are a number of reasons for Erb's palsy. It could be caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head becomes stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with risk factors like gestational diabetics, as well as large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, and it is imperative that doctors are aware of this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. erb's palsy lawyer davie 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 Palsy is characterised by a lack in movement of the hand or arm affected and an inability to grip. Usually, the symptoms appear within six to 12 months after the birth. The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine to both sides of the neck, regulating motion and sensation in the hand, arm and fingers. If they are damaged, these nerves may cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and hand. It's typically caused by a medical error during childbirth, for example a doctor pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also be caused when the baby is placed in the 'waiter tip' position during the delivery and puts strain on the upper-trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which is part of the Brachial plexus. The majority of infants who suffer from an injury to their stretch will recover in six to 12 months. However there are cases that are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, then children may suffer from permanent impairment that limits their ability to move and use their arm. Diagnosis There are a variety of treatments available for children suffering from Erb's Palsy however the damage cannot be completely repaired. Some children are left with a significant impairment and are unable to move their arm, hand or fingers. The symptoms result from injury to the brachial area which connects all the muscles of the upper limb, with the exception for the trapezius. The injury typically affects the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This results in the classic Erb's palsy sign, a waiter's tip type hand that cannot pronate, or bend the forearm. In some instances, nerves that are injured can cause Horner's disease, a pupil that is drooping and a chin that is constricted. You may be able to claim medical negligence when your child is suffering from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is due to the fact that this condition is often caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. This could include a physician who is unable to treat shoulder dystocia properly or decides to do vaginal or breech birth when a caesarean would have been more appropriate. Treatment The nerves of the brachial plexus control movement and feeling in the arm and hand. When a baby is diagnosed with Erb's Palsy it means that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some suffer from a permanent disability affecting movement and sensation in their arm. Physical therapy can be used to improve the range of motion. Stretching and exercises for passive exercise can be used to accomplish this. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint to assist in movement and help prevent stiffness. In extreme cases, a nerve transplant may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves. A claim for compensation can assist a child suffering an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest extent and access essential equipment, care, education and assistance. If you suspect that your child's condition was the result of an error made by a doctor at birth, you could be eligible to make an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages. Compensation A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation to pay for the treatment of their child. It could also give them satisfaction and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial plexus injury. Settlements for Erb's-Palsy lawsuits will pay for physical therapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment required to help your child's condition. You may also be compensated for any lost income or earnings due to the impairment of your child. You should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer right away if you suspect that medical negligence was involved. They will be able to advise you on the most effective way to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed before any deadlines end. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of specialist Erb's palsy lawyers will help you get the maximum amount of compensation you're entitled to. This can help you with the long-term costs of your child's handicap and ensure that they have everything they require to lead a happy, healthy life.