Birth Injury Case Evaluation

Children who suffer from birth injuries that are preventable face astronomical medical expenses, challenging therapies and permanent disabilities. Medical malpractice claims can help to ease financial burdens, and offer justice.

To be successful attorneys must prove that doctors or hospitals did not follow accepted standards of treatment when it came to labor and delivery. This is usually done through an exhaustive examination of medical records or expert witness testimony.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is permanent motor impairment caused by injuries to the developing central nervous system that occur in utero, during delivery (perinatal) or early infancy. It affects a broad range of body movements. It may be mild, moderate, or severe in intensity. The symptoms may vary according to age, however the condition isn't progressive.

Unlike many other conditions, it is not testable. Nevertheless an extensive and thorough assessment can help medical professionals determine whether or the child's condition is due to cerebral palsy. This includes a complete neurological and mobility evaluation.

The evaluations will examine the child's muscle tone, posture and balance, reflexes, ability to move, and other aspects that influence a child's movements. A musculoskeletal examination can identify problems like hip dislocation, scoliosis and contractures. A speech and language assessment will also reveal the child's development in terms of intellectual ability as well as their capacity to make speech sounds.

Neuroimaging, a type of imaging that permits doctors to examine the brain in detail is frequently used in diagnosing Cerebral Palsy. It is a non-invasive method to determine the severity of brain damage. It does not allow doctors determine the effects of the injury on a child's symptoms.

In certain instances it is possible that a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is not able to be made until the child is a few years old, since symptoms may fluctuate during this period. The classification of a disorder according to severity, topographical location and muscle tone can be useful in determining the degree of impairment and the impact it has on treatment.

Physical and occupational therapy are among the most effective treatments for Cerebral Palsy. These therapies can help improve the mobility of a child and reduce their risk of developing joint deformities such as scoliosis. Speech therapy and adaptive equipment can also help the child with the daily tasks and help them to be more social with their family and friends. There are several financial aid options available depending on the specific circumstances that lead to the child's health. This includes charities and foundations that help ease the burden of paying for treatment and care.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

A brachial-plexus injury law firm occurs when the five nerves which connect to the neck spine to the spine are damaged. These nerves transmit signals from the spine to the hand, shoulder and arm. There is a brachial plexus on both sides of the body. Some infants with brachial plexus injuries will recover without treatment, however the majority will benefit from physical and occupational therapy. A smaller percentage of infants might require surgical intervention to get the best results.

A doctor can identify a baby with brachial plexus injuries on the basis of the medical history and physical examination. A doctor can order special imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or nerve conduction studies, however these tests are not as accurate for infants. Doctors can measure the strength and range of motion of the child's arms through gentle range-of-motion exercises. This helps them monitor the improvement over time.

The symptoms of brachial plexus injuries vary depending on how severe the injury lawyer near me is and the specific nerves affected. The symptoms include a weak hand, reduced muscle movement, and a decreased sensation in the hand. Most often, the symptoms affect just one side of the body, however often both sides are equally affected.

The most frequently cited cause is Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy (NBPP) however it can also be caused by other causes. Babies who are obese, have a breech position or who are pulled forcibly during delivery may be more at risk of a brachial plexus Injury. This type of injury can also happen to athletes who engage in contact sports, such as football and blunt trauma.

NBPP is a condition that is diagnosed early on, usually within six weeks of the birth. Most children will recover without intervention, however those who do not show improvement by the end of the month should be examined by a team who can manage the condition. The team typically consists of an orthopedic surgeon for children as well as a physiatrist and a physical therapy.

Erb's Palsy

The brachial (brake-ee-al) plexus is a group of nerves that run from the spinal cord to the shoulder and then down the arm into the hand. This group of nerves can be injured during delivery and cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. The most frequent type of this condition is Erb's palsy. It is caused by significant stretching or tearing of upper brachial plexus nerves in labor and delivery.

A doctor can identify Erb palsy by conducting physical examination of the baby's hand. The health care provider looks for a lack in movement in the affected hand, a limping wrist, and a deficiency in Moro reflexes (the infant's involuntary reaction to a decrease in head support). The health professional might also recommend an imaging test, like an X-ray or ultrasound or a nerve test, like an electromyogram or a nerve conduction test.

In many cases, Erb's paralysis is the result of an inexperienced clinician applying too much lateral traction the infant during a forceps birth. This type of traction may be reduced by having the second phase of labor be shorter or placing the mother on her back for a portion of the delivery. By delivering via C-section, a doctor can reduce the chance of injury.

Other brachial plexus injury claim lawyer is possible in addition to Erb's Palsy. Klumpke Palsy is the more severe form of this condition, that is characterized by damage to the lower brachial nerves. This type of Injury attorney lawyer may be referred to as "waiter's tips" because the limb is held to the side, rotated to the medially and pronated. It is also flexed, extended and flexed at the wrist.

If your child is diagnosed with any of these conditions it is crucial to speak with an attorney for medical malpractice right away. Beth has more than 18 years of specialized expertise in labor and birth and can assist you in determining whether your child's medical provider committed acts of negligence that could have resulted in these injuries that could have been prevented.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs when a birth issue restricts oxygen and blood flow to the baby. HIE is a serious condition that can lead to permanent serious brain damage. HIE's effects can be mild or severe and typically begin within a few weeks after birth. HIE is one of many ailments that fall under a larger category of birth-related injuries, known as neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

HIE can be caused by problems during labor and birth. These include excessive bleeding in the mother’s blood vessels as well as forceps delivery, prolonged labor and bleeding excessively. The baby's birth weight is low and may be the reason for HIE.

To determine if there is HIE in infants, doctors will examine the infant's APGAR scores as well as any signs of neurological impairment. A low APGAR score may indicate the need for immediate medical intervention. Doctors can also use blood tests to gauge acid build-up in the umbilical artery, which can indicate that a baby suffers from an oxygen deficit or a decreased flow of blood to the brain.

If a physician suspects that the child is suffering from HIE is a common suspicion, they'll use a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia to combat the condition. In this procedure the infant is placed in a cool blanket and given medication to aid in getting sleep. During the cooling process, doctors be able to monitor the infant's heartbeat as well as body temperature, breathing and brain activity.

After the baby has fully re-warmed, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) will be performed. MRIs are best for identifying HIE and its lawyer injury pattern. An MRI can provide an approximate timeframe for the injury, which could be useful in determining whether the child's symptoms are due to HIE.

If you are diagnosed with HIE, babies should be closely monitored for the rest of their lives. They'll visit a neonatologist and neurologist, and could have physical, speech and occupational therapy to help them cope with their symptoms. The goal is to get these children as healthy as is possible and help them achieve their full potential.