Hudgell Solicitors Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's palsy is caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, arm and hand. This can cause paralysis and other problems.
Medical negligence can result in this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rushed birth and, in particular, when the baby's shoulders get stuck during labour.
Causes
Pregnancies and births usually go well but, on rare occasions something can go wrong. Hudgell Solicitors will assist you should your child suffer from a disability that was brought on by medical negligence like Erb's palsy.
erb's palsy lawyer georgia ' is a weakness of varying degrees or paralysis of the shoulder and arms, which affects the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles to allow 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 variety of reasons for Erb's palsy. It is often caused by shoulder dystocia which is a complication of labour that happens when the baby's head gets stuck above the pubic bone of the mother's. This can be more common in certain risk factors like gestational diabetes, and a large infant or baby. Shoulder dystocia could be a medical emergency. It is essential for doctors to recognize this and be aware of the best way to treat it to prevent complications. It can also be caused by forceps, vacuum extractors or emergency Cesarean.
Symptoms
Erb's Palsy is characterised by a lack of movement of the hand or arm affected, as well as an inability to grip. Typically, symptoms manifest within six to 12 months after birth.
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the spine and down both sides of the neck, regulating movement and sensation in the arm, hand and fingers. When these nerves are damaged, they, can cause weakness or partial paralysis of the affected arm and/or hand.
It's usually caused by an error made by a doctor during childbirth, like doctors pulling too hard to release the baby's head (shoulder dystocia). It can also occur when the baby is placed in the 'waiter' tip position during delivery, which puts strain on the C5-C6 upper trunk nerve 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, some cases are so severe that they require surgical intervention to repair the nerves damaged. If the nerves that are damaged are not repaired, the child may be left with an indefinite disability that affects their ability to move and use their arm.
Diagnosis
For children with Erb's Palsy there are a number of treatments to lessen the effects, but the damage can never be fully repaired. Certain infants suffer from a significant disability and are unable move their hand, arm or fingers.
The injury to the brachial-plexus which innervates the upper limb muscles, excluding the trapezius, creates symptoms. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 & C6. It is less likely to affect C7. This is the most common sign of Erb's palsy which is a type of waiter's hand that is unable pronate or flex the forearm. In some cases the nerves are injured and cause Horner's Syndrome, a pupils that are drooping, and a constricted chin.
You can claim medical negligence in the event that your child suffers 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 includes using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps improperly. It could also involve a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to give birth via a breech or vaginal birth when a more conventional caesarean delivery would have been more appropriate.
Treatment
The brachialplexus nerves control sensation and movement in the arm and hands. If a baby is identified as having Erb's palsy, it indicates that the nerves have been injured. Most babies recover within 6 to 12 months, however some are left with permanent disabilities that limit the movement and sensation of their arm.
Physical therapy is used to improve range of motion. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including passive exercises and stretching. A physiotherapist can also recommend an extension splint designed by a specialist to assist with movement and help prevent stiffness. In severe cases, a nerve graft may be needed to reconstruct damaged nerves.
A compensation claim can help a child suffering from Erb's Palsy live life to its fullest, and have access to the essential equipment, education, and care. If you believe your child's condition is the result of an unintentional medical error during their birth, you could be eligible to file an Erb's Palsy claim for damages in the form of money.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could award families financial compensation for the treatment of their child. It could also give them satisfaction and draw attention to medical professionals who might have prevented a brachial or plexus injury.
Settlements for Erb's lawsuit for palsy can assist in covering the cost of physiotherapy treatments for your child as well as other treatments and equipment needed to aid their condition. You may also be able to receive compensation for any lost income or earnings resulting from the disability of your child.
It is recommended to contact an Erb's Palsy lawyer immediately if you suspect that medical negligence was the cause. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and make sure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases the chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert erb's palsy lawyers can help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can help with the long-term costs of your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they require to live a happy life.