Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

The labor, pregnancy and delivery process can be extremely difficult. These complications can sometimes result in birth injuries that have long-lasting effects for the child and their family.

A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can help you assess your situation and go through all of your options, and know your rights. It is also recommended to save all medical records related to your pregnancy and birth as they could be useful in any future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves control the motion and sensation of the shoulder, arm and hand. If these nerves become damaged during childbirth, they cause the condition known as Erb's Palsy. This condition can lead to permanent impairment to the arm or hand affected. In a lot of cases, new medical procedures are able to restore some movement and sensation. However, these treatments are very expensive. Our brachial plexus injury lawyers can assist families in obtaining the financial compensation they require to cover the cost of treatment and other costs associated with these birth injuries.

These injuries could be caused by medical negligence. Nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible to follow established guidelines of care when it comes to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice could be a result of not recognizing the possibility of complications during labor and delivery, or using excessive force. Hospitals and birthing facilities must be sure that their staff adhere to proper protocols and procedures.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of things however the most common cause is injury to the brachial-plexus area during childbirth. The injury is usually caused by a doctor or midwife using too much force when giving birth to the baby. It could also happen if the baby is in the breech position, or if a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean when there are indications that a difficult delivery.

The symptoms of brachial-plexus injury include weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip on the fingers and hands. The nerves may be healed over time, but it can take years. Some people might never regain the full functionality of their arms and hands even after surgery.

The brachial plexus is diagnosed by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies and electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength as well as the range of motion and the sensation of your arm or hand with the one on your unaffected side.

Brain Injuries

A lot of the most severe birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from an injury to the brain you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages may help pay for the cost of future medical treatment as well as therapy and other treatments your child might require to manage the condition. If you need help, Illinois birth injury attorneys call an Illinois birth injury lawyer.

Brain damage during labor and delivery is usually caused by asphyxia, which happens when a baby does not receive enough oxygen. It can occur in a variety of ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord or placenta, or prolonged labor.

Doctors may use forceps or other tools to assist during more complicated deliveries, however they can cause serious head injuries if used improperly or by a negligent doctor. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling, or scalp bruises, as well as brain damage.

You may be able make a claim for medical malpractice if your child suffered brain damage as a result of a mistake made by a doctor during the delivery or labor. You'll need a seasoned birth injury attorney to ensure that you are aware of the laws in your state, and that your claim meets the legal requirements.

In general, you must submit your medical malpractice lawsuit within two (2) years of the negligent act, or in some cases within two (2) years from the time you reasonably discovered the injury. For you to begin it is essential to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your local area.

Medical negligence that results in birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for families. A successful legal case could result in settlements that cover the ongoing medical expenses of your family, and replaces any income your child might not be able to earn and compensates your child for the pain, suffering and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the experience and compassion to advocate for an equitable settlement for your child. 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 baby get stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This is a fairly common occurrence and a lot of doctors have been trained to recognize it and intervene in order to prevent serious complications for 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 is usually due to a fetus that is too large to pass through the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team may have to perform a C section to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. However, in some cases the obstetrician fails realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth and instead uses excessive force or prolonged traction during labor and delivery to get the baby through the birth canal.

When a baby's shoulder gets wedged behind the pubic bone of the mother during labor, it could result in a myriad of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone (humerus). This could also lead to an umbilical chord that is compressed, which stops blood and oxygen flow. It could also cause rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage.

The medical staff will be able to detect shoulder dystocia when they notice 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 then contact for assistance and have additional team members - usually a senior obstetrician, a senior midwife and an paediatrician to enter the delivery room to help in the delivery.

If a doctor was unable to respond swiftly enough to this situation, or used unnecessary force during the birth the baby, it could be deemed medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can examine your child's medical records and consult experts to determine if negligence led to the shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to support a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately the shoulder dystocia condition is generally fully recovered before a child reaches age three.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal nervous system) in a sac-like membrane that protrudes out of the body. The most common type of spina bifida, myelomeningocele, occurs in approximately one-half to one out of every 1,000 births in the United States. Spina bifida isn't known to cause, but it may be caused by deficiencies in folic acid in the mother, or genetics and the environment.

Sometimes, spina bifida can't be diagnosed until after a baby is born. A doctor may find it by looking at the newborn's back, or looking at it on a scan of an image, such as an ultrasound, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

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. Babies and children with this condition might also require diapers or have bladder or surgery for bowels to manage bowel issues like incontinence or difficulty in emptying the bladder.

It is essential to speak to a Chicago birth injury lawyer immediately following your child's injury. The limitation period 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 case could fade. The longer you delay consulting with an attorney birth injury the more difficult it becomes to build your case.

It can be emotionally and economically stressful for families when a baby is born needing ongoing care for the rest of their lives. If the negligence of a healthcare professional caused the birth injury of your child it is possible that you are entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injuries lawyer to discuss your case, and determine if you have an entitlement to financial compensation.