Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The pregnancy, labor and delivery process can be extremely difficult. Sometimes, these issues result in birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child as well as the family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your situation, review all of your options, and know your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery, as they may prove helpful in the event of a lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the neck to the arms. These nerves give the shoulder, arm, and hand movements and sensation. If these nerves become damaged during childbirth, they cause the condition known as Erb's Palsy. This condition can lead to permanent loss of function in the affected hand and arm. In many cases, new treatments for medical conditions can restore partial movement and sensation. These procedures are costly. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can help families obtain the financial compensation they require for treatment and other expenses associated with the birth injuries.
These injuries could be caused by medical negligence. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established guidelines of care in relation to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice can be defined as the failing to recognize the risk of complications, utilizing excessive force during labor and delivery or failing to act quickly when problems arise. Birthing centers and hospitals must be sure that their staff adhere to proper protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy is caused by many factors however the most common cause is an injury to the brachial-plexus area during the birth of the child. Accident Injury Lawyers of injury typically occurs when a midwife or doctor uses excessive force to deliver the baby. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position or if a doctor fails to perform the Cesarean when there are indications that a complicated delivery might be taking place.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip of the fingers and hands. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but this takes years. Some people will never be able to regain full functionality in their hands and arms, even after surgery.
The brachial nerve is identified through physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will also evaluate the strength as well as the range of motion and sensation in your hand or arm to the same on your non-affected side.
Brain Injuries
A lot of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child is suffering from a brain injury you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages can help pay for future medical care or therapy, as well as other treatments your child may need to treat his or her illness. If you need help, call an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Asphyxia is a common cause of brain damage in the course of delivery. It happens when the baby isn't getting enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta or prolonged labor.
Forceps, scissors and other tools are frequently used by doctors to assist with more complex deliveries. However, if they are used improperly or improperly, they could result in serious injuries to the head. These injuries can include fractured facial bones swelling or bruising of the scalp, and damage to the brain.
You could be able to make a claim for medical negligence if your child suffered brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during birth or labor. You'll need to work with a skilled birth injury lawyer to understand the laws in your state and to ensure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, such as the statute of limitations.
In general, you should submit your medical malpractice lawsuit within two (2) years of the negligent act, or in some cases within two (2) years of the date you first realized the injury. It is essential to contact a birth injury lawyer in your area as soon as you can in order to begin.
Medical negligence that results in birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal case could result in an amount that is substantial enough to cover the cost of medical treatment for your family and replaces the any income your child might not be capable of earning, and compensates for your child's suffering, pain and emotional stress. Our firm has the expertise and compassion necessary to fight for your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. We don't charge a fee until we win your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a condition that occurs when the shoulders of a newborn child get stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This is a fairly common occurrence and a large number of doctors are trained to detect it and intervene to prevent serious complications for the mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dislocation, both mother and child could suffer serious injuries and even disabilities.
This type of complication is usually due to the fetus being too large to fit through the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team might need to perform an C section to safely deliver the baby. However, in some cases, the obstetrician fails to acknowledge that the fetus is too large for vaginal birth and instead uses excessive force or a prolonged contractions during labor and birth to guide the baby through the birth canal.
If a baby's hand gets wedged between the mother's pubic bones during labor, this could lead to a number of complications. These include fractures in the collarbone (clavicle), or upper arm bone(humerus). This can also cause the umbilical cord to become compressed which can stop blood flow and oxygen flow. It can also result in uterine hemorrhage and rupture.
The medical staff should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia when they notice an inability to progress after the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the pelvis of the mother this is known as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The doctor should then contact for assistance and have additional team members - usually a senior obstetrician or a senior midwife, as well as a paediatrician - come into the delivery room to assist with the delivery.
If a doctor failed to respond quickly enough to this situation or if they used excessive force during the birth the baby, it could be deemed medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury attorney will review medical records and consult with experts to determine if there was an act of negligence that contributed to the shoulder dystocia that your child suffers from. This information can be used to back the injury claim. Fortunately, shoulder dystocia is usually fully recovered when the child is three years old.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida occurs when the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal nerve system) in a saclike membrane that protrudes out of the body. The most prevalent form of spina Bifida is called myelomeningocele. It can be found in about one-half to one out of every 1,000 births in the United States. It is unclear what causes spina bifida but it is thought to be linked to folic acid deficiency the mother, genetics and the environment.
Spina bifida is a condition that can be detected at the time of birth. A doctor might find it by looking at the newborn's back, or looking at it in an image scan 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 improving muscle strength and range-of-motion as well as a wheelchair, and special braces. Babies and children affected by this condition may require diapers or have bladder or surgery to treat issues with their bowels such as incontinence, or difficulty in emptying the bladder.
It is essential to speak to a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as possible after your child's injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years following the date of the injury. Evidence can also fade over time. The case might be forgotten or witnesses might move. The longer you wait to speak with a lawyer, it will be more difficult to establish an argument.
If a child is born with a birth injury that requires ongoing care it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the whole family. If your child's injuries resulted from a healthcare worker's negligence during the labor and birth process, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of your child's treatment. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case, and determine if you are eligible for a financial compensation claim.