erb's palsy law firm lubbock Can Help You Make an Erb's Palsy Claim
Erb's Palsy is caused by damage to the nerve network in the arm, shoulder and hand. This can result in paralysis as well as other problems.
Medical negligence can cause this birth injury. It can result in an uneasy or rush delivery and, in particular, when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during labour.
Causes
In rare instances, things can happen to go wrong. If your child was born with a disability that was caused by medical negligence, like Erb's palsy, Hudgell Solicitors can help you obtain compensation for their ongoing suffering.
Erb's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis in varying degrees within the arm and shoulder and affecting the brachial nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending electrical signals to muscles so that they can move. Injuries to the brachial nerve may result in the inability to grip and move the hand affected.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a range of causes. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia an complication of labour that happens when the baby's skull gets stuck above the mother's pubic bone. It is more common in women with certain risk factors such as gestational diabetes, large infants or babies. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency and it is imperative to recognize this and be able to respond quickly to prevent complications for the baby. It can also occur if you use forceps, vacuum extractors, or an emergency Cesarean.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's palsy symptoms are a lack of movement in the affected hand or arm and weak grip strength. Symptoms typically appear between six and twelve months after the birth.
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves which runs from the spine to both sides of the neck. It regulates the movement and sensation of the arm, fingers, and hand. If damaged, these nerves can cause weakness and partial paralysis of the affected arm or hand.
It's usually caused by the medical error that occurs during childbirth, such as 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 delivery and puts strain on the upper trunk C5-C6 nervous system, which forms part of the Brachial Plexus.
The majority of infants who suffer a stretch injury recover within six to 12 months however, there are some cases that are severe enough to require surgical intervention with a nerve graft to repair the nerves that have been injured. 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
For children with Erb's Palsy there are a variety of treatments to reduce the effects, however the injury is not able to be completely repaired. Some infants have a significant disability, and are unable move their arm, hand or fingers.
The symptoms result from injury to the brachial plexus which provides all the muscles of the upper limb except for the trapezius. The injury is usually affecting the upper nerves C5 as well as C6 but less frequently affects C7. This results in the classic sign of Erb's palsy the waiter's tip hand that is unable pronate or flex the forearm. In a few cases, damaged nerves can also cause Horner syndrome. It is evident by a drooping pupil and a constricted face.
You may be able to claim medical negligence if your child suffers from Erb's Palsy due to the birth. This is because this condition is usually caused by the excessive force that is imposed on the baby during the delivery process. This can be caused by using the vacuum extraction (ventouse) or forceps that are not used correctly. It could also be a doctor who is not managing shoulder dystocia appropriately or deciding to perform vaginal birth or breech when an earlier caesarean section would be more appropriate.
Treatment
The nerves that comprise the brachial plexus control movement and feel in the hand and arm. If the baby is diagnosed with Erb's spalsy, this means the nerves have been damaged. 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 a method to improve range of motion. This can be accomplished in various ways, including stretching exercises and passive exercises. A physiotherapist can also suggest an extension splint to help with movement and prevent stiffness. In severe instances, a nerve graft could be needed to rebuild damaged nerves.
A claim for compensation can help a child with an Erb's Palsy injury live their life to the fullest and access essential equipment, education, and assistance. If you think that your child's condition was the result of an unintentional medical error at the time of their birth, you could be able to file an Erb's Palsy claim for monetary damages.
Compensation
A successful lawsuit could provide families with financial compensation for the treatment they received from their child. It may also give them an understanding of justice and bring attention to medical professionals that could have prevented a brachial-plexus injury.
Settlements for lawsuits involving Erb's palsy can pay for physiotherapy, as well as any other treatments or equipment required to support your child's condition. They also can compensate you for any loss of earnings or income due to your child's disability.
If your child is diagnosed with erb's palsy, and you suspect that medical negligence may have played a part in the diagnosis, it is crucial to reach out to an experienced lawyer who specializes in Erb's Palsy as soon as you can. They can offer suggestions on how to proceed and ensure that all paperwork is filed in time. This increases your chances of getting compensation. Our team of expert Erb's Palsy lawyers can assist you obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to. This can help you deal with the long-term costs associated with your child's disability and ensure that they have everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.