Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be a bit complicated. These complications can sometimes cause birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child as well as their family.
A central Illinois birth injury attorney from central Illinois can evaluate your situation, go over your options, and help you learn about your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery, as they may prove useful in the event of a lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves regulate the movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm and hand. When these nerves are damaged during childbirth, it causes an illness known as Erb's palsy. This condition can result in permanent impairment to the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, modern medical procedures can restore partial sensation and motion in many instances. However, these treatments are expensive. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can assist families in obtaining the financial compensation they require for treatment and other expenses associated with the birth injuries.
Medical negligence can cause these injuries and nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals are held to a responsibility to follow established standards of care during labor and birth. Medical malpractice may include failing to recognize the risk of complications during labor and delivery or using excessive force. Birthing centers and hospitals must be sure that their staff adhere to proper 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 nerve during birth. The injury is usually caused by a doctor or midwife using too much force when giving birth to the baby. It can also happen when the baby is in the breech position, or when a doctor fails to perform a Cesarean when there are indications that a complicated delivery.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty moving the shoulders and hands, and a weak grip with the fingers and hand. The nerves may also heal over time but it can take years. Some people might never regain the full functionality of their arms and hands even after surgery.
The brachial plexus can be diagnosed by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests such as nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength, range of motion, and the sensation of your hand or arm with the one on your unaffected side.
Brain Injuries
Many of the most devastating birth injury are brain-related. If your child is suffering from suffered a brain injury, you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages can be used to provide future medical treatment as well as therapy and other treatments that your child may require to treat his or her illness. For assistance, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Asphyxia is a common cause of brain damage in the course of delivery. It happens when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen. It can occur in many ways, including problems with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta, or prolonged labor.
Forceps or scissors, as well as other tools are often employed by doctors to help with more complicated deliveries. However, if they are used incorrectly or improperly, they could cause serious injuries to the head. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling or bruises on the scalp, and also brain damage.
You may be able bring a lawsuit against a medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You'll need a seasoned birth injury lawyer to ensure you know the laws in your state, and that your claim is in line with the legal requirements.
In general, you must make a claim for medical malpractice within two (2) years of the negligent act or in some instances, within two (2) years of the date you first realized the injury. For you to begin it is crucial to consult an attorney who handles birth injuries in your local area.
phoenix birth injury attorney that leads to birth injuries can have life changing consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in a substantial settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family, replaces any income your child might not be capable of earning and also compensates for your child's suffering, pain, and emotional distress. Our firm has the experience and compassion necessary to defend your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us for a free consultation. We don't charge a fee unless we win or settle your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a condition that occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This condition is quite common and a lot of doctors are trained to recognize it and intervene to prevent serious complications both for mother and child. If a doctor isn't careful when handling shoulder dislocations both the mother and child could suffer serious injuries and disabilities.
It is typically caused by a fetus that is too large to fit through the birth canal. This is often a sign the maternity team will need to perform a C section to safely deliver the baby. In some instances the obstetrician fails recognize that the fetus is too large for vaginal birth, and instead, they use excessive force or a prolonged traction during labor and delivery to help the baby get through the birth canal.
If a baby's shoulder is trapped behind the mother's pubic bone during labor, it can result in a myriad of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone (humerus). It could also cause a compressed umbilical cord that cuts off blood flow and oxygen. It can also lead to uterine hemorrhage and rupture.
The medical staff will be able to detect shoulder dystocia if they see an inability to progress after the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the mother’s pelvis and is a sign referred to as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The doctor should then contact for assistance and have other members of the team - typically a senior obstetrician as well as a senior midwife and a paediatrician - come into the delivery room to assist in the delivery.
If a doctor was unable to respond quickly enough to this circumstance or if they used force that was unnecessary during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury attorney will review medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was an act of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia of your child. This information can be used to prove the claim for injury. Fortunately, most babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia recover completely by age three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine do not close completely, leaving a small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal nerve system) in a saclike membrane that protrudes out of the body. The most prevalent type of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, occurs in about one-half to one out of every 1,000 pregnancies in the United States. No one knows exactly the cause of spina bifida but it is believed to be related to folic acid deficiencies in the mother, genetics and the environment.
Spina Bifida can be identified after a baby's birth. A doctor might find it by looking at the newborn's back, or looking at it on a scan of an image, such as an ultrasound, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close the hole, physical therapy for increasing muscle strength and range of motion, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and babies who have this condition might also have diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgery to address problems with bowels, such as incontinence.
It is important to speak to a Chicago birth injury lawyer immediately following your child's injury. Not only is the time-limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of injury however, evidence could disappear with time. The case may be lost in the shuffle or witnesses could move. The longer you put off to speak with a lawyer, it will be more difficult to build a case.
When an infant is born with a birth injury that requires lifelong care it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the whole family. If your child's injuries were caused by the negligence of a healthcare professional during the labor and birth process, you might be eligible for compensation to pay for your child's care. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine if you have a financial compensation claim.