Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The process of labor, birth and pregnancy can be a bit complicated. Sometimes, these complications result in birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child and family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your case, review all options and know your rights. Keep all medical records relating to your pregnancy and birth in case they prove useful in a future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the neck all the way to the arms. These nerves control the motion and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. When these nerves are damaged during childbirth, it causes an illness known as Erb's palsy. This condition can result in permanent loss of function to the arm or hand affected. Fortunately, new medical procedures can restore some sensation and motion in many cases. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can assist families in obtaining the financial compensation they need for treatment and other expenses associated with these birth injuries.
Medical negligence could cause these injuries and doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals also have the responsibility of adhering to established guidelines for care during labor and delivery. Medical malpractice includes inability to recognize the possibility of complications, using excessive force during labor and delivery or failing to act quickly when problems occur. In addition hospitals and birthing centres are also accountable to ensure that their staff adhere to proper protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy is caused by a variety of factors, but the most common cause is an injury to the brachial plexus during the birth of the child. This type of injury is typically caused by a midwife or doctor applying too much force when delivering the baby. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position, or when a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean when there are indications that a difficult delivery might be taking place.
The symptoms of brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip of the fingers and hands. The nerves can be healed over time, but it can take years. Some people might never regain full function 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 evaluate the strength and range of motion and the sensation of your hand or arm to the same on your non-affected side.
Brain Injury
The majority of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from an injury to the brain, you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages can be used to pay for the cost of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child may require to manage the condition. Contact a reputable Illinois birth injury lawyer for help.
Brain damage during labor and delivery is usually caused by asphyxia, which happens when an infant does not receive enough oxygen. It can happen in various ways, including problems with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta, or prolonged labor.
Doctors may use forceps or other tools to aid during more complex deliveries, but these can cause severe head injuries if used improperly or by negligent doctors. These injuries could include facial fractures, swelling or bruises on the scalp, as well as brain damage.
You could be able to make a claim for medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You'll need to consult with a seasoned birth injury lawyer who can help you understand the laws in your state and make sure that your claim meets all requirements, including the statute of limitations.
In general, you should make a claim for medical malpractice within two (2) years of the negligent act or in some instances, within two (2) years of the time you reasonably discovered the injury. It is important to consult a birth injury lawyer in your local area as soon as possible to get started.
The medical negligence that causes birth injuries can result in life-changing consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in an amount that is substantial enough to cover the cost of medical treatment for your family and also replaces any income your child might not be capable of earning and also compensates for your child's pain, suffering and emotional stress. Our firm has the expertise and understanding required to defend your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today to arrange a free case review. We don't charge any fees unless we win or settle your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that occurs when the shoulders of a newborn get trapped inside the pelvis of the mother during birth. This condition is a fairly common one, and lots of doctors are trained to recognize it and act to prevent serious complications for both mother and child. If a doctor is not careful when treating shoulder dystocia both of them could suffer serious injuries and permanent disabilities.
This is usually due to the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This is usually a sign that the maternity team will have to perform a C-section in order to safely deliver the baby. However, in some cases the obstetrician does not realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth and instead resorts to excessive force or prolonged contractions during labor and birth to help the baby get through the birth canal.
If a baby's shoulder is stuck behind the pubic bone of the mother during labor, it could result in a myriad of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone (humerus). This could also lead to a compressed umbilical chord that stops blood and oxygen flow. It could also cause rupture and hemorrhage in the uterus.
The medical team should be able recognize shoulder dystocia if they see an inability to progress after the head delivery or if the fetus is pulled back into the pelvis of the mother this is known as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The doctor should contact assistance and request additional team members to come in the delivery room. They could include a senior obstetrician and midwife, as well as paediatricians.
If a doctor did not respond swiftly enough to this circumstance, or used unnecessary force during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can review the medical records and consult with experts to determine whether there was a case of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia that your child suffers from. This information can be used to prove an injury claim. Fortunately, most babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia heal fully by the age of three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is an open neural tube defect that occurs when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving a portion of the spinal cord and meninges (protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal nerves) contained in the sac-like membrane that extends into the body. Myelomeningocele is the most common type of Spina Bifida. It is found in about one-half to one in every 1,000 pregnancies. Accident Injury Lawyers bifida isn't known to cause, but it may be caused by folic acid deficiencies in the mother or due to genetics and environment.
Sometimes, spina bifida isn't discovered until after the baby is born. A doctor could detect it by looking at the newborn's back or seeing 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 hole 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 may require diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgeries to help manage issues with their bowels such as incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
It is important to contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after the child's injury. The time limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of injury and the evidence could be lost over time. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the incident might fade, and the longer you delay consulting with a lawyer, the more difficult it is to establish your case.
It can be emotionally and financially stressful for families when a child is born with a need for long-term care. If a healthcare provider's negligence caused your child's birth injury it is possible that you are entitled to compensation for your child. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case, and determine if you are eligible for a financial compensation claim.