Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

The process of labor, birth and pregnancy can be extremely complicated. Sometimes, these problems cause birth injuries that can have long-lasting consequences for the child and family members.

A central Illinois birth injury lawyer in central Illinois can help you assess your situation and review all of your options, and know your rights. You should also save all medical records that pertain to your birth and pregnancy as they may be helpful in a future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves control movements and sensations 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 lead to permanent loss of function for the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, medical advances can restore some feeling and movement in many cases. However, these procedures are very expensive. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can help families get the financial compensation they need to cover the cost of treatment and other costs related to these birth injuries.

Medical negligence can cause these injuries and doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are held to an obligation to adhere to established standards of care during labor and birth. Medical malpractice can be defined as the failure to recognize a risk of complications, using excessive force during labor and delivery, or failing to respond quickly when problems arise. Hospitals and birthing facilities must be sure that their staff adhere to the correct protocols and procedures.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of events however the most common reason is damage to the brachial plexus after birth. This injury is usually caused by a midwife or doctor using too much force when giving birth. It could also occur when the baby is in a breech position, or when a doctor fails perform an Cesarean section if there are signs of a complex birth.

The symptoms of brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty moving the shoulders and hands, and a weak grip on the fingers and hand. The nerves can be healed over time, but it takes years. Some people will never be able to recover the full functionality of their arms and hands 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 evaluate the strength of your arm, its mobility, and sensation to the unaffected side.

Brain Injuries

A lot of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child is suffering from suffered a brain injury, you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages may help pay for the cost of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child may require to manage the condition. Contact a skilled Illinois birth injury lawyer for assistance.

Asphyxia is a common cause of brain damage during delivery. It happens when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen. It can happen in many ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord and placenta problems, or prolonged labor.

Forceps or scissors, as well as other tools are frequently employed by doctors to help with more complex deliveries. However when they are used incorrectly or negligently, they can cause serious injuries to the head. These injuries include fractured facial bones and swelling or bruising on the scalp, and damage to the brain.

You may be able file a lawsuit for medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage due to a mistake made by a doctor during birth or labor. You'll need to consult with a skilled birth injury lawyer who can help you understand the law in your state and ensure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, such as the statute of limitations.

In general, you should file your medical malpractice suit within two (2) years of the wrongful act, or in some cases within two (2) years from the date at which you were able to discover the injury. To get started, it is important to consult an attorney for birth injuries in your area.

The medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have life-changing consequences for families. A successful legal battle could result in an agreement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family, and replaces any income your child may not earn, and compensates your child for their suffering, pain and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the expertise and understanding required to fight for your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today for an initial free case review. We don't charge a fee until we win your case or settle it.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia happens when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This condition is a common one, and a lot of doctors are trained to notice 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 is usually due to a fetus that is too large to pass through the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team may have to perform the procedure of a C section to safely deliver the baby. In certain instances however, the obstetrician may not recognize that the fetus was too large to deliver via vaginal delivery and instead applies excessive force during labor and delivery or long traction to get the baby out of the birth canal.

When a baby's shoulder gets wedged behind the pubic bone of the mother during labor, it may cause a variety of problems including fractures to 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 could also cause rupture and hemorrhage in the uterus.

The medical team should be able recognize shoulder dystocia if they observe an absence of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the pelvis of the mother and is a sign referred to as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The physician should then call for assistance and have additional team members - typically an obstetrician of senior standing as well as a senior midwife and paediatrician enter the delivery room to assist with the delivery.

If a doctor was unable to respond swiftly enough to this situation or if they used excessive force during the delivery this could be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can examine your child's medical records and consult with experts to determine whether negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This can then be used to justify an legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, shoulder dystocia is usually completely healed by the time the child is three years old.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occurs when the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a part of the spinal cord (and meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal nervous system) in a sac-like membrane that extends out of the body. The most prevalent type of spina bifida is called myelomeningocele. It can be found in about one-half to one out of every 1,000 pregnancies in the United States. 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.

Spina Bifida can be identified at the time of birth. A doctor may find it while inspecting the back of a newborn, or by looking at an image scan such as an X-ray, or ultrasound.

Spina bifida is a disorder that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close the gap, physical therapy for increasing muscle strength and range of motion as well as a wheelchair and braces. Children and infants affected by this condition may need to wear diapers or undergo bladder or surgery to treat bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.

It is crucial to talk to a Chicago birth injury attorney immediately following your child's injury. The limitation period for medical malpractice claims is two years following the date of the injury. Evidence could also vanish in time. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the incident could fade. The longer you put off consulting with an attorney, the more difficult it will be to present your case.

If a child is born with an injury that is a result of birth and requires lifelong care, it can be financially and emotionally draining for the entire family. If a healthcare provider's negligence caused the birth injury lawyers of your child, you may be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case, and determine if you are eligible for a financial compensation claim.