Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be a bit complicated. Sometimes, these complications result in birth injuries that can have long-lasting consequences for the child as well as the family members.

A central Illinois birth injury attorney can assess your situation, review your options, and help you know your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery because they could be useful in a future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves control movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm and hand. If these nerves are damaged during childbirth, they cause the condition known as Erb's Palsy. This condition can result in permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. Fortunately, new medical procedures can restore some sensation and motion in many instances. These treatments are costly. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers can help families get the financial compensation required to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to these birth injuries.

Medical negligence can lead to these injuries, and doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are held to a responsibility to follow established guidelines for care during labor and birth. Medical malpractice may include failing to recognize the risk of complications during labor and delivery, or using excessive force. Moreover hospitals and birthing centres are also accountable to ensure that staff members adhere to proper procedures and protocols.

Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes however, the most frequent reason is a traumatic injury to the brachial plexus after birth. This type of injury is typically caused by a doctor or midwife using too much force when delivering the baby. It can also happen when the baby is in the breech position or when a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean when there are signs that suggest a difficult delivery.

The symptoms of brachial-plexus injury include weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders, and a weak grip on the fingers and hands. The nerves may be healed over time, but it can take years. Some people will never be able to regain full function 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 and electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength, 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 devastating birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from a brain injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These damages could help pay for future medical treatments, neonatal malpractice lawyer therapy and other treatments that your child may require to manage his orher illness. If you need help, call an Illinois birth injury lawyer.

Asphyxia is a frequent cause of brain damage in the course of delivery. It happens when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen. It can happen in various ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta, or prolonged labor.

Forceps or scissors, as well as other tools are frequently used by doctors to assist with more complex deliveries. However when they are used improperly or negligently, they can result in serious injuries to the head. These injuries include fractured facial bones, swelling or bruising of the scalp, as well as damage to the brain.

You could be able to bring a lawsuit against a medical negligence if your child sustained brain damage as a result of an error made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You'll need to consult with a skilled birth injury lawyer who can help you understand the law in your state and make sure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, such as the statute of limitations.

In general, you should submit your medical Neonatal Malpractice Lawyer lawsuit within two (2) years of the wrongful act, or in some cases within two (2) years of the date at which you were able to discover the injury. It is crucial to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your local area as soon as you can to begin.

Medical negligence that leads to birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for families. A successful legal case can result in an enormous settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family and replaces the any income your child might not be capable of earning, and compensates for your child's pain, suffering and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the experience and compassion to defend your child's right to a fair settlement. Contact us today to arrange a free case review. We don't charge fees unless we settle or win your case.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is a condition that occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the pelvis of the mother. This condition is fairly common and a lot of doctors are trained to detect it and intervene in order to prevent serious complications for the mother and the child. If the doctor mishandles shoulder dislocations both the mother and child could suffer serious injuries and disabilities.

This is usually caused by the fetus being too large to pass through the birth canal. This is often a sign the maternity team may need to perform a C-section to deliver the infant safely. In certain instances, however, the obstetrician does not realize that the fetus is large to deliver via vaginal delivery and instead, uses excessive force during the labor and delivery process or prolonged traction to get the baby out of the birth canal.

If a baby's hand gets stuck between the pubic bones of the mother during labor, this could lead to a number of complications. This includes fractures in the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone(humerus). It can also lead to an umbilical cord that is compressed, which blocks blood flow and oxygen. In the end, it could lead to uterine rupture and hemorrhage.

The medical staff should be able recognize shoulder dystocia when they notice an absence of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the pelvis of the mother this is known as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The doctor should then contact for help and have other members of the team - typically a senior obstetrician, a senior midwife and paediatrician enter the delivery room to assist in the delivery.

If a doctor was unable to respond swiftly enough to the situation, or used unnecessary force during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can review the medical records of your child and consult with experts to determine if negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to prove the claim for injury. Fortunately the shoulder dystocia condition is generally completely healed by the time a child reaches age three.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is an open neural tube defect that happens when the spine's bones (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving part of the meninges and spinal cord (protective membranes that protect the spinal nerves and the brain) contained in a sac-like membrane that protrudes into 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 the cause of spina bifida but it is believed to be related to folic acid deficiency in the mother, genetics and the environment.

Spina bifida is a condition that can be detected at the time of birth. A doctor could detect it by looking at the newborn's back or seeing it in an image scan such as an ultrasound, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Spina bifida is a disorder that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close the gap, physical therapy for strengthening muscles and improving range-of-motion as well as a wheelchair and braces. Children and infants with this condition may require diapers or undergo bladder or bowel surgeries to help manage issues with their bowels such as incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder.

It is important to speak to a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after your child's injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years from the date of the injury. Evidence may also disappear as time passes. Witnesses could move or their memories of the incident could fade. The longer you put off consulting with an attorney the more difficult it becomes to present your case.

It can be emotionally and financially draining for a family when a baby is born with a need for long-term care. If a healthcare provider's negligence caused your child's birth injury and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine if you have a financial compensation claim.