Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The pregnancy, labor and delivery process can be extremely difficult. These complications can sometimes result in birth injuries with long-lasting effects for the child and their family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your case, review all of your options, and understand your rights. Keep all medical records relating to your pregnancy and birth in case they be useful in a future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves provide the arm, shoulder and hand movement as well as sensation. Erb's palsy occurs when these nerves are damaged in the birth of a child. The condition can cause permanent loss of function in the affected hand and arm. Fortunately, medical advances can restore some sensation and movement in many cases. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury attorneys are able to help families get the financial compensation needed for treatment and other expenses related to these birth injuries.
These injuries can be caused by medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established guidelines of care in relation to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice could include ignoring the possibility of complications during labor and delivery or using excessive force. Birthing centers and hospitals must also ensure that their staff adhere to the correct protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes however the most common reason is a traumatic injury to the brachial plexus during birth. This injury usually happens when a doctor or midwife applies too much force to deliver the baby. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position or if a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean when there are indications that a difficult delivery might be taking place.
Symptoms of brachial pain include weakness or paralysis in the affected hand and arm as well as difficulty moving the shoulder and hand, and an inability to grip the fingers and hands. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but this can take years. Some people will never be able to regain full functionality in their hands and arms, even after surgery.
Brachial plexus injuries can be diagnosed through physical examinations, MRIs, and other tests, like nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will evaluate the strength of your arm, its range of movement and sensation with the side that is unaffected.
Brain Injury
Many of the most devastating birth injury are brain-related. If your child is suffering from brain injuries, you may be eligible for financial compensation. These damages may be used to pay for the cost of future medical care or therapy as well as other treatments your child will require to treat the condition. Contact a reputable Illinois birth injury attorney for assistance.
Brain damage during labor and delivery is often caused by asphyxia, which occurs when a baby does not receive enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, including problems with the umbilical cord, issues with the placenta, or prolonged labor.
Forceps as well as other tools are often employed by doctors to assist with more complex deliveries. However, if they are not used correctly or improperly, they could cause severe head injuries. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling or scalp bruises, and also brain damage.
You may be able file a lawsuit for medical negligence if your child suffered brain damage as a result of an error made by a doctor during the delivery or labor. You'll need to consult with a seasoned birth injury lawyer to understand the laws in your state and ensure that your claim meets all requirements, including the statute of limitations.
Generally, you will need to file a medical negligence lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligent act or in certain cases it is within two years of the time you were able to recognize the injury. To get started it is essential to contact an attorney who handles birth injuries in your area.
Medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for families. A successful legal battle could result in a settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family, as well as any income your child may not be able to earn and compensates your child for the suffering, pain and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the experience and compassion to fight for your child's right to an equitable settlement. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. We don't charge fees until we have won your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the mother's pelvis. This condition is quite common, and many doctors are trained to detect it and intervene to avoid serious complications for mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dystocia, both parties could suffer from major injuries and permanent disabilities.
It is typically caused by the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This is a sign the maternity team may need to perform an C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. However, in some cases the obstetrician does not recognize that the fetus is too large to be delivered vaginally and instead resorts to excessive force or prolonged traction during labor and delivery to guide the baby through the birth canal.
If a baby's arm gets wedged 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 a compressed umbilical cord that cuts off blood flow and oxygen. It can also lead to uterine rupture and hemorrhage.
The medical staff should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia when they notice an absence of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus is pulled back into the mother’s pelvis this is known as the"turtle neck" sign. The physician should call for assistance and ask for additional team members to join the delivery room. This includes the senior obstetrician and a midwife, as well as paediatricians.
Medical malpractice could be the result of a physician's failure to act swiftly or using excessive force during delivery. 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 back the injury claim. Fortunately, shoulder dystocia is usually completely healed before the child is three years old.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida happens when the vertebrae of the spine do not close completely, leaving a part of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal nervous system) in a sac-like membrane that protrudes from the body. Myelomeningocele, the most common form of Spina Bifida. It occurs in approximately one-half to one in every 1,000 pregnancies. There is no precise answer to what causes spina bifida however, it is believed to be linked to folic acid deficiency the mother, genetics and the environment.
Sometimes, spina bifida isn't diagnosed until after a baby is born. A doctor may find 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 could include surgery to close the gap in the spine physical therapy to improve the strength of muscles and range motion, a wheelchair and braces that are specially designed for children. Babies and children affected by this condition may require diapers or have bladder or surgery for bowels to manage bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Accident Injury Lawyers is important to speak to a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as possible after your child's injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is two years after the date of the injury. Evidence can also fade as time passes. The case could be lost or witnesses may change their minds. The longer you put off to consult a lawyer, it will be more difficult to build an argument.
If a child is born with an injury that is a result of birth and requires lifelong care it can be financially and emotionally stressful for the entire family. If a healthcare worker's negligence caused the birth injury of your child 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 have a financial compensation claim.