Barcan Woodward
Erb‘s Palsy
An Erb‘s Palsy injury occurs when the nerves at the base of the neck are torn or bruised because the baby‘s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother‘s pelvis during delivery - known as shoulder dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia is a serious problem which can result in severe injury or death to the infant if not managed properly
Erb‘s Palsy is also known as Brachial Plexus Paralysis, it can be partial or complete. The injury occurs in the nerves that run from the spine to the shoulders and down to the tips of the fingers.
Some children will recover without any specialist help whilst others are left with a severe and permanent disability.
Shoulder dystocia is a largely unpredictable and unpreventable event but there are risk factors including
- a large baby;
- previous shoulder dystocia;
- diabetes, and
- induction of labour.
Management
Once shoulder dystocia has been diagnosed protocols exist for dealing with this emergency which include:-
- Calling for help from the Midwifery Team, the Obstetric Team and the Neonatal Team;
- Pushing should be discouraged and the mother should be moved to the edge of the bed;
- The McRobert‘s manoeuvre should be carried out (thighs to abdomen);
- Suprapubic pressure applied (just above the pubic area);
- Consider an episiotomy;
- Delivery of the posterior arm/internal rotational manoeuvre, the posterior arm in the arm near the back.
Bringing a Claim
To be successful in an Erb‘s Palsy claim some of the following factors would assist to show that the injury was more likely to be avoidable:-
- Lack of staff training;
- Incorrect manoeuvres used;
- Not enough staff in attendance to assist with the delivery;
- Excessive/inappropriate traction;
- Permanent injury.
Investigating an Erb‘s Palsy claim is a complex process and needs the experience and skills of a specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitor. There are a few such specialists in the UK today who have this experience.
We at Barcan Woodward have this level of experience to help you through the process of bringing a claim.
If you would like to consider your potential claim with us please make either an online inquiry or telephone us to discuss.
Free legal advice
Please telephone us with any questions you may have. This will not cost you anything and if we think we can help you further we can arrange, if appropriate, a free initial interview.
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