If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury due to medical negligence during birth, we are here to help. Our experienced solicitors specialise in Erb’s Palsy claims and are dedicated to securing the compensation your child deserves.
Protecting Your Child’s Future
Brachial plexus injuries can have lasting effects on your child’s quality of life. These injuries can lead to paralysis, limited range of motion, and chronic pain, impacting their ability to perform everyday activities. If you suspect negligence during your pregnancy or delivery caused this injury, legal action can provide the resources needed for their ongoing care and education.
Why Choose Us?
- Specialised Knowledge: Our solicitors have extensive experience navigating complex medical negligence cases related to brachial plexus injuries.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll an injury takes on families, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Comprehensive Assistance: We work tirelessly to ensure you receive full compensation for your child’s treatment, rehabilitation, and future needs.
How It Works
1. Consultation
Contact us to discuss your case with an experienced solicitor who will evaluate the circumstances and potential for negligence.
2. Detailed Investigation
We thoroughly investigate medical records and consult with experts to assess whether there is a strong case for compensation.
3. Legal Representation
Our team will represent you in negotiations or court proceedings, aiming for a successful outcome that upholds your child’s rights.
4. Personalised Support
Throughout the process, we provide personalised attention and regular updates, ensuring you’re informed and empowered at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences in symptoms between Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy affects the upper arm, causing weakness and limited motion, while Klumpke’s Palsy impacts the lower arm and hand, potentially leading to a “claw hand” deformity.
What treatments are available for Erb’s Palsy?
Initial treatments include physiotherapy and splinting. Severe cases may require surgical interventions like nerve grafts.
What causes Erb’s Palsy in newborns?
Common causes include birth trauma from forceful pulling during delivery or complications arising from shoulder dystocia.
Which nerve is most commonly affected in Erb’s Palsy?
The C5 nerve is typically impacted, part of the brachial plexus network involved in shoulder and arm movement.
What are the long-term effects of brachial plexus injuries?
Patients may face persistent weakness, loss of function in the arm, or chronic pain, affecting daily activities.
What is Brachial Plexus Injury or Erb’s Palsy?
The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves responsible for the communication between the spinal cord and the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves become damaged, leading to partial or full paralysis in the affected muscles.
This type of injury often occurs at birth when an infant’s shoulder becomes trapped in the mother’s pelvic bone, known as shoulder dystocia. Medical professionals might need to apply force to the baby’s head or upper body to facilitate the delivery, which can result in damage to the brachial plexus nerves. These birth-related injuries are sometimes referred to as Erb’s palsy. Approximately 1 to 2 babies per 1,000 experience brachial plexus injuries at birth, with many of these cases being preventable.
The severity of a child’s disability depends on which nerves are affected and the extent of the damage. Symptoms may include the following:
- A limp or paralysed arm
- Inability to use shoulder or elbow muscles
- Limited control over the wrist and hand
- Absence of muscle control or feeling in the arm or hand
There are four types of brachial plexus injuries:
- Neuropraxia or stretch injuries vary in severity from mild, with the potential for early recovery, to complete paralysis with no recovery potential. These injuries are typically caused by the nerves becoming compressed due to swelling and bruising.
- Neuroma injuries involve scar tissue compressing nerves as they attempt to heal, disrupting nerve signal conduction. Surgery may be necessary to remove the scar tissue and restore proper nerve function.
- Rupture injuries occur when the nerve is torn, potentially in multiple locations, but not at the spinal attachment. Surgical intervention, including nerve grafts, and therapy are required to restore normal function.
- Avulsion injuries involve the nerves being pulled or severed from the spinal cord. This is the most severe type and requires extensive surgery, such as muscle transfers, to restore function.
Negligent care during pregnancy, labour, and delivery can lead to brachial plexus injuries. Instances of negligence include failure to accurately estimate the baby’s weight, failure to determine if the baby’s shoulders are too large for the birth canal, and applying excessive lateral traction to the foetal neck during delivery. If you suspect your child’s brachial plexus injury resulted from inadequate care provided by a medical professional, it is important to seek legal advice from experienced solicitors.
Rehabilitative care for children with brachial plexus injuries may include physical therapy and occupational therapy. In some cases, surgical treatment such as nerve grafts or muscle transfers may be necessary to improve functionality.
Below are some examples of negligent care on the part of doctors, nurses and other health care providers that can result in brachial plexus injuries.
- Failing to properly estimate the weight of the baby.
- Failing to determine that the baby’s shoulders are too large to fit through the birth canal.
- Applying excessive lateral traction to the foetal neck during delivery.
If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury and you suspect that the injury resulted because a doctor, nurse or other health care provider failed to provide adequate care during the pregnancy, or during the labour and delivery of your baby, please contact us for advice from our team of experienced solicitors.
We will help establish whether or not there has been medical negligence in which case we will assist you in recovering compensation that can be used for your child’s care and education.
Take the First Step Towards Justice
If you believe your child’s injury was due to medical negligence, don’t hesitate. Reach out for a consultation to explore your legal options and secure a brighter future for your child.
