Birth Injury Attorney
Birth injuries are complex. The plaintiff must prove that a doctor did not provide reasonable medical care and resulted in
injury.
These cases often involve expert witnesses to help establish that the doctor's care was not in accordance with accepted standards in their field. They must also demonstrate that the child suffered compensable damage.
Brachial plexus injury
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that extends from your spinal cord up to the shoulder and arm. Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury can include pain, weakness or loss of mobility in the shoulder, hand and arm. Some patients recover without treatment. Others will require occupational or physical therapy.
To look for fractures, Xrays of the neck and shoulders are taken. MRI is also often used to determine the brachial plexus. This imaging test provides clear pictures of dense structures such as bones with small safe amounts of radiation. The doctor may inject a color around the spinal cord to improve the MRI images. The doctor will also likely require a computed-tomography (CT) myelogram scan to examine the vertebrae. This test is especially useful in the detection of spinal nerve avulsions.
A physical exam is usually the first step to determine whether or not a child suffers an injury to the brachial plexus. The doctor will assess how the injured side is feeling, looks and functions with the uninjured. Electrodiagnostic tests and Xrays can help confirm the diagnosis.
Some children who suffer from brachial plexus injuries heal on their own, however certain children require occupational or physical therapy. Patients who require therapy will be assessed by a team of specialists, comprising a plastic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist.
The team will develop an treatment plan for the patient that is the most effective. The treatment plan may include stretching, exercises, positioning, splinting, or surgery. It is essential that children suffering from this condition visit a specialist for treatment, as it takes some time for nerves to recover.
An experienced Santa-Fe birth injury lawyer can help parents obtain compensation for their child’s medical care, therapy, and future expenses. They can collaborate with medical professionals to gather the necessary documentation and file a lawsuit if appropriate. They can also bargain with doctors and hospitals to secure the highest compensation possible for the family. Contact an experienced lawyer right away when your child has been injured as a result of negligence during labor or birth.
Erb's palsy
An error by a doctor during the delivery can lead to Erb's Palsy that is defined by damage to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can result in weakness or paralysis in the arm, and occasionally the hand. In many instances, the fingers of the affected arm droop downward or be in what is known as the "waiter's tip" position, meaning that they are bent toward the body. The
injury lawsuit affects the arm, shoulder and elbow. The injury can cause numbness or tingling of the hand and arm, as well as difficulty moving them.
In the majority of cases, the problem resolves on its own, without treatment. If the condition does not improve with physiotherapy then your doctor may recommend surgery. This could include tendon transfers or repair of muscles. Nerves grow and heal slow, and the healing process can take months or even years.
You may make a claim if the medical team's negligence caused your child's Erb palsy. An experienced attorney for Erb's Palsy can assist you in determining whether your case is meritorious and guide you on the next steps you should take. If a case is deemed to be meritorious an attorney can help to secure financial compensation for your child's
injury lawyer near me.
Families with children with Erb's Palsy are faced with significant health costs. A qualified
lawyer injury near me for Erb's palsy can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement to ensure your child will receive the treatment they require today and in the future.
Contact a seasoned Santa-fe birth injury
Lawyer injury near me if your child is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy. A legal professional who is experienced can help you understand and assert your legal rights and also bring a medical negligence lawsuit to secure the financial compensation you are entitled to. Lawyers must demonstrate negligence on the part of the care provider to prevail in an injury claim. This requires a thorough investigation which is why you should choose an attorney who is experienced in this kind of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is when a newborn is deficient in oxygen during pregnancy, delivery or shortly after birth. This condition affects the brain and can lead to problems with other organs like the lungs, the heart and liver. HIE can lead to permanent, severe damage that impacts a child's cognitive, physical, and behavioral functioning. It is the leading cause of infant death and permanent disability in the United States.
The severity of a case of HIE depends on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen. Infants suffering from mild HIE cases may fully recover and have no impairments. However, those with severe or moderate HIE cases are more likely have lifelong health problems. These issues include epilepsy as well as hearing or vision impairments.
HIE is often caused by complications during a birth, such as uterine rupture cord prolapse, placenta previa or breech presentation. These risks can be reduced with a C-section, but medical experts must perform the procedure as quickly as possible to ensure that oxygen is not cut off to the baby's brain. The use of labor induction drugs Pitocin or Cytotec can also trigger hyperstimulation, which is a serious complication. This limits the flow of air into the lungs of the baby.
HIE symptoms can be difficult to detect particularly in the first few hours following birth. A baby born with HIE may be floppy, insensitive to sounds or sights or very tense. They might also react more strongly to stimulation. They can also have feeding problems due to weak muscles in their throat and mouth. Other symptoms include a low Apgar and meconium in the umbilical fluid and abnormal fetal pulse tracings.
The most commonly used treatment for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia, also known as cooling therapy. It involves slowly cooling a newborn to around 92°F over a number of days, before slowly warming them. It is important that HIE be diagnosed as soon as possible, so that the baby can receive this treatment. The cooling process decreases oxygen-rich brain blood and decreases the amount of toxins.
Asphyxia at birth
Birth asphyxia is when a baby's brain isn't getting sufficient oxygen during or shortly after birth. This can be caused by a variety of causes or circumstances and can even be fatal in severe instances. Most often birth asphyxia causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) which is a brain injury that can lead to long-term issues such as cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
HIE can be prevented through prompt treatment. This includes therapeutic hypothermia which reduces the risk of death or serious disability to 62-48%. This treatment should be initiated within six hours of birth. It can include total body cooling, fluid support via drips, and medications to treat seizures or blood pressure problems.
Hemorrhage, infection and placental anomalies are the most frequent causes of asphyxia in the birth. Birth asphyxia can also be caused by medical negligence. If your child is injured in this way you must contact an attorney for birth injuries immediately.
Birth asphyxia can cause various symptoms, based on intensity and duration of oxygen deprivation. This could include a lack of energy, poor muscle tone or breathing difficulties. In some instances babies can suffer from severe neurological issues, like seizure disorders or learning disabilities.
A Santa Fe birth
injury attorney can assist you in determining whether your child's condition is due to an error in medicine and make a claim for compensation against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll need a large amount of documentation that includes medical documents, hospital and doctor notes, as well as any other documents related to your child's care. The more information you can gather the easier it is for your attorney to prove that there was a mistake and get compensation for your child's injuries.
Despite being preventable, birth asphyxia is still the leading cause of infant deaths and serious impairments. This condition is caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain, and can cause a myriad of other complications, including Erb's palsy or HIE. Our attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to cover rehabilitative services and other expenses.