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Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The labor, pregnancy and delivery process can be extremely difficult. These issues can result in birth injuries that have life-long effects for the child and their family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer from central Illinois can assist you in assessing your case and review all of your options, and know your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery, as they may prove useful in the event of a lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a system of nerves that extends from the neck all the way to the arms. These nerves control movements and sensations of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb's Palsy can be caused when these nerves become damaged during childbirth. This condition can cause permanent impairment to the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, modern medical procedures can restore some sensation and motion in many cases. These treatments are costly. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers can assist families get the financial compensation needed to pay for medical treatment and other expenses associated with these birth injuries.
These injuries can result from medical negligence. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established standards of care with regard to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice could be a result of not recognizing the potential for complications during labor and delivery, or using excessive force. 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 causes however the most common reason is a traumatic injury to the brachial nerve during birth. birth injury attorney pittsburgh is usually caused by a physician or midwife using too much force when delivering the baby. It could also occur when the baby is in a breech position or when a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean section when there are indications of a complicated birth.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury include weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders, and a weak grip of the fingers and hand. The nerves can also heal over time but it can take years. Some people will never be able to regain full functionality in 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 as well as the range of motion and sensation in your arm or hand to the same on your non-affected side.
Brain Injuries
Many of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child has an injury to the brain you could be legally entitled to financial compensation. These damages could be used to pay for the cost of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child may require to treat his or her condition. Contact a knowledgeable Illinois birth injury attorney for assistance.
Asphyxia is a common cause of brain injury during birth. This occurs when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen. It can happen in many ways, including complications with the umbilical cord and placenta problems, or prolonged labor.
Doctors may use forceps or other tools to aid in more complex deliveries, but they can result in severe head injuries if used improperly or by an unprofessional doctor. These injuries can include fractured facial bones, swelling or bruising of the scalp, and damage to the brain.
If your child suffered brain injuries due to a medical mistake during labor or delivery or birth, you could be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. You will need an experienced birth injury attorney to ensure that you understand the laws in your state, and that your claim meets the standards.
Generally, you'll have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of the date of the negligent act or in some instances the two-year period from the time you were able to recognize the injury. It is important to speak with a birth injury lawyer in your local area as soon as possible to get started.
The medical negligence that leads to these birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in an amount that is substantial enough to cover the cost of medical treatment for your family, replaces any income your child might not be capable of earning, and compensates for your child's pain, suffering and emotional stress. Our firm has the knowledge and compassion to defend your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us for a free consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we settle or win your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia happens when the shoulders of a newborn child get stuck in the mother's pelvis. This condition is quite common, and many doctors have been trained to recognize it and take action to prevent serious complications both for mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dislocation the child and mother may suffer serious injuries and disabilities.
This complication is generally caused by the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This is a sign the maternity team may need to perform an C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. In some instances however, the obstetrician might not recognize that the fetus is large to deliver via vaginal delivery and instead applies excessive force during the labor and delivery process or prolonged pressure to lift the baby out of the birth canal.
When a baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during labor, it may cause a variety of complications 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. In the end, it could cause uterine rupture and hemorrhage.
The medical team should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia if they see an absence of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the mother’s pelvis and is a sign referred to as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The physician should call for assistance and ask for additional team members to enter the delivery room. This includes the senior obstetrician and a midwife, as well as paediatricians.
Medical malpractice could be a result of a physician's failure to act quickly or using excessive force during the delivery. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can examine your child's medical records and consult experts to determine whether negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to support a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, shoulder dystocia is usually fully recovered by the time an infant reaches the age of three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is an open neural tube defect that happens when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving part of the spinal cord and meninges (protective membranes that protect the spinal nerves and the brain) contained in a sac-like membrane that protrudes into the body. The most prevalent form of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, occurs in about one-half to one 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.
Spina Bifida can be identified after a baby's birth. A doctor might detect it by examining the back of a newborn or looking at an image scan like an X-ray or ultrasound.
Spina bifida is a disorder that affects the spine. Treatment options include surgery to close the hole, physical therapy for improving muscle strength and range-of-motion, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and infants affected by this condition may require diapers or undergo bladder or surgery for bowels to manage bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty in emptying the bladder.
It is important 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 following the date of the injury. Evidence can also fade as time passes. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the incident may fade. The longer you put off consulting with a lawyer the more difficult it will be to present your case.
When a child is born with an injury to their birth that requires lifelong care and treatment, it can be financially and emotionally stressful for the entire family. If the negligence of a healthcare professional caused your child's birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine whether you are eligible for financial compensation.