Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The process of labor, birth and pregnancy can be very complicated. Sometimes, these problems result in birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child and family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer from central Illinois can help you assess your situation, review all options and know your rights. It is also recommended to save all medical records that pertain to your birth and pregnancy as they could be useful in any future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that extends from the neck all the way to the arms. These nerves control the movements and sensations of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb's Palsy can be caused when nerves are damaged during childbirth. This condition can result in permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. Fortunately, modern medical procedures can restore partial sensation and movement in many instances. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers can assist families receive the financial compensation they need to pay to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to these birth injuries.
These injuries can result from medical negligence. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established standards of care in relation to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice is the failure to recognize a risk of complications, excessive force during labor and delivery or failing to react promptly when problems arise. Hospitals and birthing facilities must also ensure that their staff adhere to the correct protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a myriad of circumstances however the most common reason is the damage to the brachial plexus after birth. This injury is usually caused by a doctor or midwife applying too much force when delivering the baby. It could also happen when the baby is in a breech position or when a doctor fails perform an Cesarean section when there are indications of a difficult birth.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hands, and a weak grip with the fingers and hand. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but it takes years. Some people will never regain full functionality in their hands and arms, even after surgery.
Injuries to the brachial plexus can be identified through physical exams, MRIs, and other tests, including nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will assess your arm's strength, range of movement, and sensation to the unaffected side.
Brain Injuries
The majority of the most severe birth injuries are brain-related. If your child is suffering from a brain injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These damages could help provide future medical treatment or therapy, as well as other treatments that your child might require to treat his or her illness. For assistance, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Brain damage during labor and delivery is often the result of asphyxia, which occurs when an infant does not receive enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, problems with placenta, or prolonged labor.
Forceps as well as other tools are often used by doctors to assist in more complex deliveries. However when they are used incorrectly or negligently, they can cause severe head injuries. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling, or scalp bruises, as well as damage to the brain.
You may be able make a claim for medical negligence if your child suffered brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You will need an experienced birth injury attorney to ensure you know the laws of your state, and that your claim meets the legal requirements.
Generally, you will need to file a medical negligence lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligence or, in some cases the two-year period from the time you were able to recognize the injury. To get started, it is important to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your local area.
Medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for families. A successful legal case could result in a settlement that covers the ongoing medical costs of your family, replaces any income your child might not earn, and compensates your child for the suffering, pain, and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the compassion and experience to fight for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us today to arrange an initial free case review. We do not charge any fees unless we win or settle your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that happens when the shoulders of a newborn get trapped inside the pelvis of the mother during delivery. This is a common one, and lots of doctors are trained to notice it and take action to avoid serious complications for both mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dislocation the child and mother could be afflicted with severe injuries and disabilities.
It is typically caused by a fetus that is too large to fit through the birth canal. This is a sign the maternity team might need to perform the procedure of a C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. In some instances however, the obstetrician might not realize that the fetus was too large to be delivered vaginally and instead uses excessive force during the labor and delivery process or prolonged tension to pull the baby out of the birth canal.
If a baby's arm is stuck between the mother's pubic bones during labor, it could cause a variety of complications. These include fractures in the collarbone (clavicle), or upper arm bone(humerus). It could also cause an umbilical cord that has been compressed which blocks oxygen and blood flow. It can also cause uterine rupture or hemorrhage.
Medical staff should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia by not noticing any progress following the head delivery or if the fetus retracts back into the mother's pelvis in a move known as the 'turtle neck' sign. The physician should seek assistance and request additional team members to enter the delivery room. These include the senior obstetrician and a midwife and a paediatrician.
If a doctor failed to respond quickly enough to the situation, or used unnecessary force during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer will review your child's medical records and consult experts to determine if negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to support the injury claim. Fortunately, the majority of children who sustain shoulder dystocia recover fully by the age of three.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is an open neural tube defect that happens when the spine's bones (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving part of the spinal cord and meninges (protective membranes that protect the brain and spinal nerves) inside a sac-like membrane that protrudes into the body. Myelomeningocele, the most common type of Spina Bifida. It is found in about one-half to one in 1,000 pregnancies. Spina bifida is not known to cause, but it can be caused by deficiencies in folic acids in the mother or genetics and the environment.
birth injury attorney in nyc can be identified after a baby's birth. A doctor may detect it by looking at the baby's back or observing it on a scan of an image, such as an ultrasound, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
If your child was born with spina bifida, treatment might include surgery to close the gap in the spine, physical therapy to improve muscle strength and range of motion, a wheelchair, and braces that are specially designed for children. Children and babies with this condition might also require diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgeries to help manage bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty in emptying the bladder.
It is essential to speak to an Chicago birth injury attorney immediately following your child's injury. The time-limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of the injury, but evidence may disappear as time passes. The case might be lost or witnesses may change their minds. The longer you delay to talk to a lawyer it will be more difficult to establish a case.
If an infant is born with a birth injury that requires lifelong care it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the entire family. If the negligence of a healthcare professional caused your child's birth injury and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and find out whether you have a claim for financial compensation.