10 Quick Tips For Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The process of labor, birth and pregnancy can be very complicated. These complications can sometimes result in birth injuries with lasting consequences for the child as well as their family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer from central Illinois can assist you in assessing your case and review all options and fully understand your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery in case they prove useful in a future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a system of nerves which runs from the neck down to the arms. These nerves control movements and sensations of the shoulder, arm and hand. When these nerves are damaged during childbirth, it can cause the condition known as Erb's Palsy. The condition can cause permanent loss of function in the affected hand and arm. Fortunately, medical advances can restore some feeling and motion in many cases. These treatments are costly. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers can help families obtain the financial compensation they need to cover the cost of treatment and other costs connected to these birth injuries.
These injuries can be caused by medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are accountable for following established standards of care with regard to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice can be defined as the failing to recognize the risk of complications, utilizing excessive force during labor and delivery, or failing to respond quickly when problems occur. Moreover, hospitals and birthing centers are also responsible to ensure that their staff adhere to proper protocols and procedures.
Erb's Palsy is caused by a variety of factors however the most frequent cause is an injury to the brachial-plexus area during childbirth. This injury usually happens when a midwife or doctor applies excessive 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 when there are signs of a difficult birth.
The signs of abrachial-plexus injuries are weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip with the fingers and hand. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but this takes years. Some people may never recover full function of their arms and hands even after surgery.
The brachial plexus can be diagnosed through physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will also compare the strength, range of motion, and sensation in your hand or arm with the one on your unaffected side.
Brain Injury
Many of the most severe birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from a brain injury you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages could be used to pay for the cost of future medical treatment or therapy as well as other treatments your child may require to treat his or her condition. Contact a knowledgeable Illinois birth injury attorney to get help.
Brain damage during labor and birth is usually caused by asphyxia, which happens when an infant does not receive enough oxygen. It can happen in many ways, including complications with the umbilical cord or placenta, or prolonged labor.
Doctors often use forceps and other tools to assist during more complicated deliveries, however they can result in severe head injuries when used incorrectly or by negligent doctors. These injuries can result in facial fractures, swelling, or bruises on the scalp, and also damage to the brain.
You could be able to bring a lawsuit against a medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage as a result of a mistake made by a doctor during birth or labor. You'll need a seasoned birth injury lawyer to ensure that you understand the laws in your state and that your claim meets the requirements.
Generally, you'll have to file your medical malpractice lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligence or, in some cases the two-year period from the time you were able to recognize the injury. For you to begin it is essential to consult an attorney who handles birth injuries in your area.
The medical negligence that results in these birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal case may result in settlements that cover the ongoing medical costs of your family, replaces any income your child might not be able earn, and compensates your child for their suffering, pain, and emotional stress. Our firm has the compassion and experience to advocate for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us today to arrange an initial free case review. We will not charge any fees unless we settle or win your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that happens when a baby's shoulders get stuck in the pelvis of the mother during the birth. This condition is a fairly common one, and many doctors are trained to notice it and act to prevent serious complications for both mother and child. If a doctor isn't careful when handling shoulder dislocation the child and mother could be afflicted with serious injuries and disabilities.
This condition is typically caused by the fetus being too large to fit into the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team may have to perform an C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. In some instances however, the obstetrician does not realize that the fetus is too large to deliver vaginally and instead applies excessive force during the labor and delivery process 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 result in a myriad of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone (humerus). neonatal injury lawyer can also result in the umbilical cord to become compressed, which stops blood and oxygen flow. It can also result in uterine hemorrhage and rupture.
Medical staff will be able recognize shoulder dystocia by not noticing any progress after the head delivery or if the fetus retracts back into the pelvis of the mother in a process known as the 'turtle neck' sign. The physician should seek assistance and ask for additional team members to enter the delivery room. They could include an obstetrician senior and a midwife and paediatricians.
If a doctor was unable to respond swiftly enough to the situation 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 a case of negligence that caused the shoulder dystocia of your child. This information can be used to prove the injury claim. Fortunately, most babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia heal fully by the age of three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine do not close completely, leaving a 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 extends out of the body. The most prevalent form of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. It occurs in between one and one-half 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.
Sometimes, spina bifida can't be discovered until after the baby is born. A doctor might find it by looking at the newborn's back, or looking at it on an image scan like an ultrasound, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
If your child was born with spina bifida, treatment might include surgery to close the gap in the spine physical therapy to increase muscle strength and range of motion, a wheelchair, and braces for specific needs. 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 essential to speak to an Chicago birth injury attorney as soon as you can after your child's injury. The time limit for medical malpractice claims is two years after the date of injury. Evidence could also vanish over time. Witnesses might relocate or their memories of the incident might fade, and the longer you put off consulting with a lawyer the more difficult it is to build your case.
If the child is born with an injury that is a result of birth and requires ongoing care it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the entire family. If a healthcare provider's negligence caused your child's birth injury and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine whether you have a claim for financial compensation.