Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be a bit complicated. Sometimes, these problems cause birth injuries that can have long-lasting consequences for the child and family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your situation, review all of your options, and know your rights. Save all medical records related to your pregnancy and delivery because they could prove helpful in a future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachialplexus is a nerve network that connects the neck to the arms. These nerves regulate the motion and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. Erb's Palsy is caused when these nerves are damaged in the birth of a child. This condition can result in permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. In many cases, new medical procedures are able to restore partial sensation and movement. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial plexus injury lawyers can help families get the financial compensation they need for treatment and other expenses related to the birth injuries.
These injuries can result from medical negligence. Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are responsible to follow established guidelines of care when it comes to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice could include failing to recognize the risk of complications during labor and delivery, or using excessive force. Birthing centers and hospitals must also ensure that their staff adhere to the correct 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 the birth of the child. This type of injury is typically caused by a doctor or midwife applying too much force when giving birth to the baby. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position or if a doctor fails to perform the Cesarean when there are signs that suggest a difficult delivery is taking place.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hands, and a weak grip on the fingers and hand. The nerves can also heal over time, but it can take years. Some people might never regain 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 and range of motion and sensation in your arm or hand to the same on your non-affected side.
Brain Injuries
The majority of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from an injury to the brain, you may be entitled financial compensation. These damages may help pay for the cost of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child may require to manage his or her condition. For assistance, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Brain damage during labor and birth is usually caused by asphyxia, which happens when a baby does not get enough oxygen. It can happen in various ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta or long labor.
Forceps or scissors, as well as other tools are frequently employed by doctors to help in more complex deliveries. However when they are not used correctly or negligently, they can result in serious injuries to the head. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling or bruises on the scalp, as well as brain damage.
You may be able file a lawsuit for medical negligence if your child suffered brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You'll need to work with an experienced birth injury lawyer who can help you understand the laws in your state and make sure that your claim meets all requirements, like the statute of limitations.
Generally, you will need to file a medical negligence lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligent act or, in some cases the two-year period from the date you first realized that you had suffered an injury. It is essential to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your local area as soon as you can in order to begin.
Medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal battle could result in settlements that cover the ongoing medical costs of your family, as well as any income your child may not earn and compensates your child for their suffering, pain, and emotional stress. Our firm has the expertise and compassion to fight for your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today to arrange a no-cost case review. We don't charge a fee unless we win or settle your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that occurs when a baby's shoulders get stuck inside the mother's pelvis during the birth. This condition is quite common and a lot of doctors are trained to recognize it and intervene to prevent serious complications for the mother and child. If a doctor isn't careful when handling shoulder dislocations, both mother and child could be afflicted with serious injuries and disabilities.
Accident Injury Lawyers of complication is usually due to the fetus being too large to fit through the birth canal. This is often a sign the maternity team will need to perform a C-section to safely deliver the baby. However, in certain instances the obstetrician fails acknowledge that the fetus is too large for vaginal birth, and instead uses excessive force or a prolonged contractions during labor and birth to get the baby through the birth canal.
When a baby's shoulders get wedged 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). This can also cause a compressed umbilical chord, which stops blood and oxygen flow. It can also cause uterine rupture or hemorrhage.
Medical staff should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia by observing a lack of progress following the head delivery, or if the fetus pulls back into the mother's pelvis in a process known as the "turtle neck sign. The physician should call for assistance and request additional team members to join the delivery room. This includes the senior obstetrician and a midwife, as well as a paediatrician.
If a doctor did not respond quickly enough to this circumstance or if they used excessive force during the birth this could be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer will review medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was a case of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia of your child. This can be used to prove a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, the majority of children who sustain shoulder dystocia recover 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 part of the spinal cord (and meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal nerve system) in a sac-like 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 related to folic acid deficiency the mother, genetics, and the environment.
Sometimes, spina bifida isn't discovered until after the baby is born. A doctor may find it while looking at the back of a newborn or looking at an image scan such as an X-ray or ultrasound.
If your child was born with spina bifida treatment could include surgery to close the gap in the spine, physical therapy to improve the strength of muscles and range movement, a wheelchair and braces for specific needs. Children and babies who have this condition may also need to use diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgery to address bowel issues such as incontinence.
You should speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after the child's injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years following the date of injury. Evidence may also disappear in time. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the case may fade. The longer you put off consulting with a lawyer the more difficult it becomes to present your case.
When a child is born with an injury to their birth that requires ongoing care, it can be financially and emotionally stressful for the whole family. If your child's injuries resulted from a healthcare worker's negligence during the labor and birth process, you could be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of your child's treatment. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine whether you're eligible for financial compensation.