Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The pregnancy, labor and delivery process can be extremely difficult. These issues can cause birth injuries that can have long-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 go through all of your options, and understand your rights. You should also save all medical records that pertain to your birth and pregnancy as they may be useful in any future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the neck to the arms. These nerves control movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb's Palsy can be caused when these nerves are damaged in the birth of a child. This condition can result in permanent loss of function for the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, medical advances can restore some feeling and motion in many instances. These procedures are costly. Our brachial plexus injury lawyers can help families get the financial compensation they need to cover the cost of treatment and other costs related to these birth injuries.
Medical negligence could cause these injuries, and doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals also have the responsibility of adhering to established guidelines for care during labor and birth. Medical malpractice could be a result of not recognizing the potential for complications during labor and delivery or using excessive force. Hospitals and birthing centers 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 reason is an injury to the brachial-plexus area during the birth of the child. This type of injury typically occurs when a doctor or midwife applies too much force to deliver the baby. It could also happen when the baby is in a breech position or when a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean section if there are indications of a complicated birth.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in 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 it takes years. Some people will never regain full functionality in their arms and hands, even after surgery.
The brachial nerve is identified by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies and electrical stimulation. The doctor will also compare the strength as well as the range of motion and sensation in your hand or arm to that on your unaffected side.
Brain Injuries
The majority of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child has an injury to the brain you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages may help pay for the cost of future medical care, therapy, and other treatments your child might require to treat the condition. For help, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Asphyxia is the most common cause of brain damage during delivery. This occurs when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, including complications with the umbilical chord, problems with placenta or prolonged labor.
Forceps as well as other tools are sometimes used by doctors to assist in more complex deliveries. However when they are used improperly or negligently, they can cause serious injuries to the head. These injuries include broken facial bones swelling or bruising of the scalp, and damage to the brain.
If your child suffered brain injuries because of a medical error during birth or labor, you may be able to file a medical negligence lawsuit. You will need an experienced birth injury attorney to ensure that you are aware of the laws in your state, and that your claim is in line with the requirements.
Generally, you will need to file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligent act or, in some cases it is within two years of when you reasonably discovered the injury. To get started, it is important to speak with an attorney who handles birth injuries in your area.
Medical negligence that causes birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in a substantial settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family and replaces the income your child might not be in a position to earn, and compensates for your child's pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Our firm has the compassion and experience to ensure a fair settlement for your child. Contact us for a free consultation. We don't charge fees until we win your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a kind of birth injury that takes place when the baby's shoulders become stuck inside the mother's pelvis during the birth. This is a fairly common occurrence and a large number of doctors are trained to detect it and take action to prevent serious complications both for the mother and child. However, if the doctor fails to recognize shoulder dystocia, both parents could suffer serious injuries and permanent disabilities.
It is typically caused by an unborn fetus that is too large to pass through the birth canal. It is often a sign that the maternity team may need to perform a C-section to safely deliver the baby. In some instances the obstetrician fails realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth and instead, they use excessive force or a prolonged traction during labor and delivery to get the baby through the birth canal.
If a baby's hand gets trapped between the mother's pubic bones during labor, this can cause a variety of complications. These include fractures of the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone(humerus). It can also result in a compressed umbilical chord, which stops blood and oxygen flow. It could also cause uterine hemorrhage and rupture.
The medical staff should be able recognize shoulder dystocia if they observe an inability to progress after 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 seek assistance and ask for additional team members to join the delivery room. They could include a senior obstetrician and midwife and a paediatrician.
Medical malpractice can be a result of a physician's failure to act swiftly or using excessive force during delivery. A Chicago birth injury attorney can review the medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was an act of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia of your child. This can be used to prove the legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, most babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia recover completely by three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida can be described as an open neural tube defect that happens when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving part of the meninges and spinal cord (protective membranes that cover the spinal nerves and brain) contained in the sac-like membrane that extends into the body. Myelomeningocele is the most frequent type of Spina Bifida. It occurs in approximately 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 deficiencies in the mother, genetics and the environment.
Spina bifida is a condition that can be detected following the birth of a baby. A doctor could detect it by inspecting the back of a newborn or scanning an image such as an X-ray or ultrasound.
Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close this gap, physical therapy for strengthening muscles and improving range-of-motion, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and babies with this condition might also need to wear diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgeries to help manage bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.
You should speak with an Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after the child's injury. Not only is the time limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of injury, but evidence may disappear over time. Witnesses might relocate or their memories of the case could fade. The longer you wait to consult with a lawyer, the more difficult it becomes to present your case.
If brain damage birth injury is born with an injury to their birth that requires ongoing care and treatment, it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the entire family. If your child's injuries were the result of the negligence of a healthcare professional during the labor and birth process, you could be entitled to compensation to help pay for your child's care. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine whether you are eligible for financial compensation.