Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be extremely complicated. These complications may cause birth injuries that can have long-lasting consequences for the child as well as their family.

A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your situation, review all options and know your rights. It is also recommended to save all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and birth as they may be useful in any future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is a system of nerves which runs from the neck down to the arms. These nerves allow the shoulder, arm, and hand movement and sensation. If these nerves are damaged during childbirth, it causes an illness known as Erb's palsy. This condition can result in permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. Fortunately, new medical procedures can restore partial sensation and movement in many instances. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can help families get the financial compensation they need to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to these birth injuries.

Medical negligence can cause these injuries, and nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have a responsibility to follow established standards of care during labor and birth. Medical malpractice could include failing to recognize the potential for complications during labor or delivery or using excessive force. Birthing centers and hospitals must ensure that their staff adheres to the appropriate protocols and procedures.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors however the most frequent reason is an injury to the brachial-plexus area during the birth of the child. This injury usually happens when a midwife or doctor applies excessive force to deliver the baby. It can also happen when the baby is in the breech position or if a doctor fails to perform the Cesarean when there are signs that a complicated delivery.

Symptoms of brachial pain include weakness or paralysis in the affected arm and hand and shoulder, difficulty in moving the shoulder and hand, and an inability to grip the fingers and hands. It is also possible for the nerves to heal 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.

Injuries to the brachial plexus can be identified through physical examinations, MRIs, and other tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength as well as the range of motion and the sensation of your hand or arm to that on your unaffected side.

Brain Injury

A lot of the most devastating birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from a brain injury, then you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages can be used to pay for the cost of future medical treatment, therapy, and other treatments your child might require to manage his or her condition. For assistance, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.

Brain damage during labor and birth is often the result of asphyxia, which occurs when an infant does not get enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, such as complications with the umbilical chord or placenta, or prolonged labor.

Forceps, scissors and other tools are often employed by doctors to assist in more complex deliveries. However, if they are not used correctly or negligently, they can result in serious head injuries. These injuries can result in facial fractures, swelling or bruises on the scalp as well as damage to the brain.

If your child suffered an injury to the brain due to a medical mistake during birth or labor or birth, you could be eligible to file a medical negligence lawsuit. You'll need to consult with a skilled birth injury lawyer to learn about the laws in your state and ensure that your claim is in compliance with all requirements, like the statute of limitations.

In general, you should make a claim for medical malpractice within two (2) years of the negligent act, or in some instances, within two (2) years from the date you first realized the injury. To get started it is essential to speak with an attorney injury lawyer who handles birth injuries in your local area.

The medical negligence that results in these birth injuries can have life-changing consequences for families. A successful legal case may result in settlements that cover the ongoing medical expenses of your family, and replaces any income your child may not be able earn and compensates your child for the suffering, pain, and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the compassion and experience to ensure an equitable settlement for your child. Contact us today to arrange a free case review. We don't charge a fee unless we settle or win your case.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia can be described as a type of birth injury that occurs when the baby's shoulders become stuck inside the mother's pelvis during birth. This is a common one, and lots of doctors are trained to recognize it and act to prevent serious complications for mother and child. However, if the doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both parties could suffer from serious injuries and permanent disabilities.

It is typically caused by a fetus that is too large to enter the birth canal. This is often a sign that the maternity team will have to perform a C-section to safely deliver the baby. In some cases however, the obstetrician may not recognize that the fetus was too large to deliver via vaginal delivery and instead, uses excessive force during labor and delivery or prolonged pressure to lift the baby out of the birth canal.

If a baby's shoulder is trapped behind the mother's pubic bone during labor, it can cause a variety of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone (humerus). This can also cause an umbilical chord that is compressed which can stop blood flow and oxygen flow. Finally, it can cause uterine rupture and hemorrhage.

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

Medical malpractice could be a result of a doctor's inability to act swiftly or using excessive force during the delivery. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can review the medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was a case of negligence that contributed to your child's shoulder dystocia. This can be used to prove a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately the shoulder dystocia condition is generally completely recovered before an infant reaches the age of three.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida happens when the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal nerve system) in a saclike membrane that protrudes from the body. Myelomeningocele, the most common type of Spina Bifida. It occurs in one-half to one in every 1,000 pregnancies. Spina bifida is not known to cause, however it could be caused by deficiencies in folic acid in the mother, or genetics and environment.

Sometimes, spina bifida can't be diagnosed until after a baby is born. A doctor might discover it when inspecting the back of a newborn or by looking at an image scan such as an X-ray or ultrasound.

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Treatment options include surgery to close the hole, physical therapy for increasing muscle strength and range of motion, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and infants with this condition may also have to use diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to address bowel issues such as incontinence.

You should contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after your child's injury. The time limit for medical malpractice cases is two years after the date of the injury. Evidence can also fade in time. The case might be forgotten or witnesses might change their minds. The longer you wait to talk to a lawyer it will be more difficult to establish an argument.

When a child is born with an injury to their birth that requires lifelong care it can be financially and emotionally draining for the whole family. If a healthcare worker's negligence caused your child's birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injury claim lawyer lawyer to discuss your case and find out whether you are eligible for financial compensation.