Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

The process of labor, birth and pregnancy can be a bit complicated. Sometimes, these problems can result in birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child as well as the family members.

A central Illinois birth injury compensation claims injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your case and go through all options and understand your rights. You should also save all medical records pertaining to your birth and pregnancy as they may be helpful in a future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the neck down to the arms. These nerves control the movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb's Palsy is caused when nerves are damaged during the birth of a child. This condition can result in permanent loss of function to the hand or arm affected. Fortunately, new medical procedures can restore partial sensation and motion in a lot of cases. However, these treatments are extremely expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury attorneys are able to help families get the financial compensation needed for treatment and other expenses related to these birth injuries.

These injuries could result from medical negligence. Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are responsible to adhere to established guidelines of care when it comes to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice includes inability to recognize the possibility of complications, using excessive force during labor and delivery or failing to act quickly when problems occur. Birthing centers and hospitals must be sure that their staff adheres to the appropriate protocols and procedures.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of things however the most frequent reason is an injury to the brachial plexus during birth. The most common cause of this injury is when a midwife or doctor uses excessive force to deliver the baby. It can also happen when the baby is in the breech position or when a doctor fails to perform a Cesarean when there are signs that a complicated delivery is taking place.

The signs of a brachial plexus injury include weakness or paralysis of the affected arm and hand, difficulty moving the shoulder, and an inability to grip the hand and fingers. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but it takes years. Some people will never be able to regain the full functionality of their hands and arms, even after surgery.

The brachial plexus is diagnosed through physical examinations, MRIs and other tests such as nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength and range of motion and feeling in your hand or arm to the same on your non-affected side.

Brain Injury

Many of the most devastating birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from brain injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These damages can be used to pay for future medical treatments, therapy and other treatments your child may need to treat their condition. If you need help, call an Illinois birth injury lawyer.

Asphyxia is the most common cause of brain injury during birth. It happens when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen. It can occur in many ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta, or prolonged labor.

Forceps or scissors, as well as other tools are sometimes employed by doctors to help in more complex deliveries. However when they are not used correctly or improperly, they could cause serious head injuries. These injuries can include fractured facial bones and swelling or bruising on the scalp, and damage to the brain.

You may be able file a lawsuit for medical negligence if your child sustained brain damage due to an error made by a doctor during birth or labor. You will need to work with a seasoned birth trauma attorneys injury lawyer to understand the laws in your state and to ensure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, such as the statute of limitations.

In general, you should submit your medical malpractice lawsuit within two (2) years of the negligent act, or in certain cases, within two (2) years of the time you reasonably discovered the injury. It is essential to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your area as soon as possible to get started.

The medical negligence that leads to birth injuries can have life-changing consequences for families. A successful legal case may result in a settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family, and replaces any income your child might not earn, and compensates your child for the suffering, pain and emotional stress. Our firm has the knowledge and compassion necessary to fight for your child's right to an equitable settlement. Contact us for a free consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win or settle your case.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This condition is a common one, and many doctors are trained to notice it and intervene to prevent serious complications for mother and child. However, if the doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both parents could suffer severe injuries and permanent disabilities.

This type of complication is usually caused by the fetus becoming too big to fit through the birth canal. This is a sign the maternity team might need to perform an C section to safely deliver the baby. In some instances the obstetrician does not recognize that the fetus is too large to be delivered vaginally and instead, they use excessive force or a prolonged contractions during labor and birth to help the baby get through the birth canal.

If a baby's shoulder is 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). It can also result in an umbilical cord that has been compressed which cuts off blood flow and oxygen. It could also cause rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage.

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, a sign known as the"turtle neck" sign. The doctor should contact assistance and request additional team members to come in the delivery room. This includes an obstetrician senior and a midwife and paediatricians.

If a doctor was unable to respond quickly enough to this situation or if they used excessive force during the birth this could be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can review your child's medical records and consult with experts to determine whether negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to support an injury claim. Fortunately, most babies 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 small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal nerve system) in a sac-like membrane that extends out of the body. Myelomeningocele is the most common form of Spina Bifida. It occurs in one-half to one in 1,000 pregnancies. It is unclear what causes spina bifida, but it is thought to be linked to folic acid deficiency the mother, genetics and the environment.

Spina bifida is a condition that can be detected after a baby's birth. A doctor might discover it when inspecting the back of a newborn, or by scanning an image like 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 improving muscle strength and range-of-motion as well as a wheelchair and braces. Children and infants with this condition may also need to use diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to manage problems with bowels, such as incontinence.

It is crucial to talk to a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after your child's injury. The time limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of injury, but evidence may disappear over time. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the case might fade, and the longer you wait to consult with a lawyer, the more difficult it becomes to build your case.

It can be emotionally and economically draining for a family when a baby is born needing lifelong care. If your child's injuries were the result of an employee of a medical facility's negligence during the labor and birth process, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for your child's care. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your situation, and determine if there is an entitlement to financial compensation.