Illinois Birth
Injury AttorneysThe pregnancy, labor and delivery process can be extremely difficult. Sometimes, these complications cause birth injuries that can have long-lasting consequences for the child and family.
A central Illinois birth
injury law firm attorney from central Illinois can examine your situation, discuss your options, and help understand your rights. It is also recommended to save all medical records related to your pregnancy and birth, as these documents may be useful in any future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the neck to the arms. These nerves control the motion and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. When these nerves are damaged during childbirth, it can cause a condition called Erb's palsy. This condition can lead to permanent loss of function to the hand or arm affected. In a majority of cases, modern medical procedures are able to restore some movement and sensation. These treatments are costly. Our brachial plexus
injury attorneys can assist families in obtaining the financial compensation they require for treatment and other expenses related to the birth injuries.
These injuries can be caused by medical negligence. Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established standards of care when it comes to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice includes 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 centers are also responsible for ensuring that their staff members follow the correct protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy is caused by many factors however the most common reason is an injury to the brachial plexus during childbirth. This injury usually happens when a doctor or midwife uses too much force to deliver the baby. It could also occur when the baby is in a breech posture or when a doctor fails to perform a Cesarean section if there are signs of a complicated birth.
The signs of abrachial plexus injury include weakness or paralysis in the affected hand and arm, difficulty moving the shoulder and hand, and an inability to grip the fingers and hand. The nerves may also heal over time, but it can take years. Some people never recover full function in their arms and hands even after surgery.
Injuries to the brachial plexus can be identified through physical exams, MRIs, and other tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will also compare the strength and range of motion and sensation in your hand or arm to that on your unaffected side.
Brain Injuries
The majority of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child is suffering from suffered a brain injury, you may be entitled financial compensation. These damages may aid in the payment of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child will require to treat the condition. Contact a reputable Illinois birth
injury attorney for assistance.
Asphyxia is the most common cause of brain injury during birth. It occurs when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen. It can happen in a variety of ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, problems with placenta or prolonged labor.
Forceps as well as other tools are frequently employed by doctors to help with more complicated deliveries. However when they are used incorrectly or negligently, they can result in serious head injuries. These injuries include fractured facial bones swelling or bruising of the scalp, and damage to the brain.
You may be able bring a lawsuit against a medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage as a result of a mistake made by a doctor during the delivery or labor. You will need to work with a skilled birth
injury lawyer who can help you understand the laws in your state and make sure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, such as the statute of limitations.
In general, you must file your medical malpractice suit within two (2) years of the wrongful act, or in some cases within two (2) years from the time you reasonably discovered the injury. To get started it is crucial to contact an attorney who handles birth injuries in your area.
The medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in a substantial settlement that covers the cost of medical treatment for your family and replaces the income your child might not be able to earn and also compensates for your child's suffering, pain and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the knowledge and understanding required to defend your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free case review. We don't charge a fee until we have won your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that takes place when a baby's shoulders get stuck in the pelvis of the mother during the birth. This is a fairly common occurrence, and many doctors are trained to recognize it and intervene to avoid serious complications for the mother and child. If a doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both of them could suffer severe injuries and permanent disabilities.
This is usually caused by the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team might need to perform a C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. In some instances, the obstetrician fails to realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth, and instead, they use excessive force or prolonged contractions during labor and birth to guide the baby through the birth canal.
If a baby's shoulder is wedged behind the pubic bone of the mother during labor, it may result in a myriad of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone (humerus). It could also cause a compressed umbilical cord that cuts off oxygen and blood flow. It could also cause rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage.
The medical team will be able to detect 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 and is a sign referred to as the"turtle neck" sign. The doctor should then contact for assistance and have additional team members - typically an obstetrician of senior standing, a senior midwife and an paediatrician to enter the delivery room to help in the delivery.
If a doctor was unable to respond swiftly enough to this circumstance or if they used force that was unnecessary during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury attorney will review medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was an act of negligence that caused your child's shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to support a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately shoulder dystocia is typically completely recovered when the child is three years old.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida happens when the vertebrae of the spine do not close completely, leaving a small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal nervous system) in a saclike membrane that protrudes from the body. Myelomeningocele, the most common form of Spina Bifida. It is found in about one-half to one in 1,000 pregnancies. It is unclear what causes spina bifida however, it is believed to be linked to folic acid deficiency in the mother, genetics, and the environment.
Sometimes, spina bifida can't be discovered until after the baby is born. A doctor may discover it by examining 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.
Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close the hole, physical therapy for strengthening muscles and improving range-of-motion as well as a wheelchair and braces. Children and infants with this condition might also have diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to treat bowel issues such as incontinence.
You should speak with an Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after the injury of your child. The time limit for medical malpractice claims is two years following the date of injury. Evidence may also disappear over time. Witnesses could move or their memories of the case might fade, and the longer you delay consulting with a lawyer the more difficult it becomes to build your case.
When a child is born with an injury that is a result of birth and requires ongoing care, it can be emotionally and financially draining for the entire family. If your child's injuries resulted from the negligence of a healthcare professional during the labor and birth process, you could be entitled to compensation to provide your child's medical care. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case, and determine if you have an entitlement to financial compensation.