How Erb's Palsy Case Changed My Life For The Better

Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim Erb's palsy is caused by damage to the nerve system in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems. Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. This birth injury is often due to a challenging or rushed delivery. Causes In rare cases things can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will help you should your child suffer from an impairment that was caused by medical malpractice such as Erb's palsy. Erb's Palsy is a condition with varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder and arms, affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves send electrical messages to muscles, allowing them to move. Brachialplexus injuries can result in the inability to move and grasp the hand affected by the injury. There are several reasons for Erb's palsy. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that occurs when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This is more likely in certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes or an infant or child who is large. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is crucial for doctors to be aware of this and be aware of what to do to avoid complications. It can also be caused by forceps or vacuum extractors, or have an emergency Cesarean. Symptoms Erb's Palsy is characterized by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected and a weak grip. Symptoms typically appear between six and twelve months after birth. The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that run from the spine along both sides of the neck. They control motion and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness or partial paralysis in the affected hand and arm. It is often the result of medical errors that occur during childbirth. For instance doctors pulling on the baby's shoulders too hard (shoulder dystocia). It could also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during the delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 nerve system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus. The majority of infants who suffer an injury to their stretch will recover within six to twelve months, with the exception of cases that are severe enough to require surgery with a nerve graft to repair the injured nerves. If the nerves affected are not treated, the child may be left with a permanent disability affecting their ability to move and use their arm. Diagnosis For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to lessen the effects but the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants are left with a significant disability and cannot move their hand, arm or fingers. The damage to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles except the trapezius, results in symptoms. The injury typically affects the upper trunk of nerves C5 and C6 and less frequently affects C7. This results in the classical Erb's Palsy sign which is a waiter's tips type hand that is unable to pronate or extend the forearm. In some instances, injured nerves can also cause Horner's syndrome, a pupil that is drooping and a constricted chin. It is possible to file a claim for medical negligence during a birth that leads to a child suffering with Erb's Palsy. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the birth process. This can result from using forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction) in a way that is not correct. It can also include doctors not managing shoulder dystocia properly or deciding to perform vaginal or breech birth when an earlier caesarean section would have been more suitable. Treatment The brachialplexus nerves regulate movement and sensation in the arm and hands. If a baby is identified with Erb's Palsy it indicates that nerves are injured. The majority of babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however there are some who suffer from a permanent impairment which affects their movement and the sensation in their arm. Physical therapy is used to increase range of motion. This can be achieved in different ways, such as stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist might also suggest an extension splint, which can help with movement and prevent stiffness. In the case of severe cases, a nerve transplant could be needed to rebuild 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 support. If you think that your child's illness was caused by a medical mistake during their birth, then you could be eligible to claim an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages. Compensation A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the care they have given their child. It can also bring them the feeling of justice and call attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury. Settlements for Erb's Palsy lawsuits will pay for physical therapy and any other treatments or equipment needed to support your child's condition. They may also reimburse you for any loss of income or earnings because of your child's disability. erb's palsy lawsuit spokane should contact an Erb's palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence is involved. They can give you suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. This will ensure you have the best chance of success in getting compensation. Our team of specialist erb's palsy lawyers can help you claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disabilities and make sure that they have everything they need to lead a happy, healthy life.