Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be very complicated. Sometimes, these complications result in birth injuries that have life-long consequences for the child and family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer in central Illinois can assist you in assessing your situation and go through all of your options, and know your rights. You should also keep all medical records that pertain to your pregnancy and birth as they could be helpful in a future lawsuit.
atlanta birth injury attorneys that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves control the motion and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. If these nerves become damaged during childbirth, it can cause a condition called Erb's palsy. This condition can cause permanent impairment to the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, new medical procedures can restore some feeling and movement in many instances. These treatments are costly. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers are able to help families receive the financial compensation they need to pay for treatment and other expenses that are associated with birth injuries.
These injuries can result from medical negligence. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are accountable to follow established standards of care with regard to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice is the failure to recognize a risk of complications, utilizing excessive force during labor and delivery or failing to react quickly when problems arise. In addition hospitals and birthing centres are also accountable for ensuring that staff members adhere to the correct protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of things however the most frequent reason is an injury to the brachial plexus during birth. The injury is usually caused by a midwife or doctor using too much force when delivering the baby. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position or if a doctor fails to perform a Cesarean when there are signs that suggest a difficult delivery might be taking place.
The signs of a 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 hand. The nerves may also heal over time but it can take years. Some people never recover the full functionality of their arms and hands even after surgery.
The brachial plexus is diagnosed by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will compare your arm's strength, range of movement, and sensation to the side that is not affected.
Brain Injuries
Many of the most devastating birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from an injury to the brain, you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages could be used to pay for the cost of future medical treatment as well as therapy and other treatments your child might require to manage his or her condition. For help, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Asphyxia is the most common cause of brain damage in the course of delivery. It occurs when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen. It can happen in a variety of ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, issues with the placenta or prolonged labor.
Forceps as well as other tools are frequently employed by doctors to help with more complex deliveries. However, if they are used improperly or improperly, they could cause severe head injuries. These injuries could include facial fractures, swelling, or bruises on the scalp and also brain damage.
If your child sustained brain injuries because of a medical error during birth or labor it is possible to file a medical negligence lawsuit. 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 in compliance with all requirements, including the statute of limitations.
In general, you should submit your medical malpractice lawsuit within two (2) years of the negligent act, or in certain cases, within two (2) years from the date you first realized the injury. It is important to consult an attorney for birth injuries in your area as quickly as possible to get started.
The medical negligence that results in these birth injuries can have life-changing consequences for families. A successful legal case can result in an amount that is substantial enough to cover the ongoing medical expenses of your family and replaces the income your child might not be in a position to earn and compensates you for your child's pain, suffering and emotional stress. Our firm has the expertise and compassion to fight for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us today for a no-cost case review. We don't charge any fees until we have won your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby get stuck in the mother's pelvis. This condition is a common one, and many doctors are trained to recognize it and intervene to prevent serious complications for mother and child. If a doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both parties could suffer from major injuries and permanent disabilities.
This type of complication is usually caused by the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This is usually a sign that the maternity team may need to perform a C-section in order to safely deliver the baby. In some instances the obstetrician fails acknowledge that the fetus is too large for vaginal birth, and instead, they use excessive force or a prolonged tension during labor and delivery to get the baby through the birth canal.
If a baby's arm gets wedged between the mother's pubic bones during labor, this could result in a variety of complications. These include fractures in the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone(humerus). It can also result in a compressed umbilical chord that stops blood and oxygen flow. It can also lead to rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage.
Medical personnel should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia by being able to detect a lack of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus retracts back into the pelvis of the mother in a move known as the 'turtle neck' sign. The doctor should then contact for help and have other members of the team - typically an obstetrician who is a senior as well as a senior midwife and a paediatrician - come into the delivery room to assist with the delivery.
Medical malpractice could be a result of a physician's failure to act quickly or using excessive force during delivery. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can examine the medical records and consult with experts to determine if there was an act of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia of your child. This information can be used to support an legal claim for compensation. Fortunately shoulder dystocia is typically fully recovered before an infant reaches 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 part of the meninges and spinal cord (protective membranes that protect the brain and spinal nerves) contained in a sac-like membrane that protrudes into the body. The most prevalent form of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. It occurs 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 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 could detect it by examining the back of a newborn or taking a look at an image scan such as an X-ray, or ultrasound.
If your child was born with spina bifida, treatment might include surgery to close the gap in the spine physical therapy to increase the strength of muscles and range motion, a wheelchair and braces that are specially designed for children. Children and infants with this condition might also have to use diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to manage issues with the bowel, like incontinence.
It is crucial to talk to an Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as possible after 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 may be lost or witnesses may change their minds. The longer you wait to talk to a lawyer it will be harder to establish a case.
If an infant is born with an injury to their birth that requires lifelong care it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the whole family. If your child's injuries were caused by an employee of a medical facility's negligence during the labor and birth process, you might be entitled to compensation to provide your child's medical care. Contact a Chicago birth injuries lawyer to discuss your situation, and determine if you have an opportunity to claim financial compensation.