Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The labor, pregnancy and delivery process can be extremely complex. These issues can result in birth injuries with life-long effects for the child and their family.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer from central Illinois can assist you in assessing your situation and go through all of your options, and know your rights. You should also save all medical records that pertain to your pregnancy and birth, as these documents may be helpful in a future lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extends from the neck to the arms. These nerves regulate the motion and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. If these nerves become damaged during childbirth, it can cause a condition called Erb's palsy. 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 many cases. These treatments are expensive. Our brachial plexus injury attorneys can help families obtain the financial compensation they need to cover the cost of treatment and other costs associated with these birth injuries.
Medical negligence could cause these injuries and nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals also have an obligation to adhere to established guidelines for care during labor and delivery. Medical malpractice can include failing to recognize the possibility of complications during labor and delivery, or using excessive force. 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 myriad of circumstances however, the most frequent reason is the damage to the brachial plexus after birth. The injury is usually caused by a physician 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 in the event that a doctor does not perform the Cesarean when there are signs that a difficult delivery is taking place.
The signs of a brachial-plexus injury are weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hands, and a weak grip with the fingers and hand. The nerves may be healed over time, but it can take years. Some people will never be able to recover 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 feeling in your arm or hand to that on your unaffected side.
Brain Injuries
A lot of the most devastating birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from suffered a brain injury, you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages could help pay for future medical care as well as therapy and other treatments your child might require to treat his or her illness. For help, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Brain damage during labor and delivery is usually caused by asphyxia, which occurs when an infant does not receive enough oxygen. It can happen in various ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord, issues with the placenta or long labor.
Doctors often use forceps and other tools to aid during more complicated deliveries, however they can cause serious head injuries if used improperly or by an unprofessional doctor. These injuries can include facial fractures, swelling or bruises on the scalp and also brain damage.
You could be able to file a lawsuit for medical negligence if your child sustained brain damage as a result of a mistake made by a doctor during delivery or labor. You'll need to consult with a seasoned birth injury lawyer to understand the law in your state and to ensure that your claim is in compliance with all requirements, including 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 crucial to speak with a birth injury lawyer in your area as quickly as you can in order to begin.
The medical negligence that causes these birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal action could result in a substantial settlement that covers your family's ongoing medical costs and also replaces income your child might not be capable of earning and compensates you for your child's suffering, pain and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the expertise and compassion to advocate for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us today to arrange a no-cost case review. We don't charge fees until we win your case or settle it.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a type of birth injury that happens when the shoulders of a newborn get trapped inside the pelvis of the mother during the birth. This is a fairly common occurrence, and many doctors have been trained to recognize it and intervene to prevent serious complications for the mother and child. However, if a doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both parents could suffer major injuries and permanent disabilities.
This is usually due to a fetus that is too large to fit through the birth canal. This indicates that the maternity team may have to perform an C section to safely deliver the baby. In certain instances however, the obstetrician may not recognize that the fetus is too large to be delivered vaginally and instead uses excessive force during labor and delivery or long pressure to lift the baby out of the birth canal.
If a baby's arm is stuck between the mother's pubic bones during labor, it could lead to a number of complications. This includes fractures in the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone(humerus). It can also lead to a compressed umbilical cord that cuts off oxygen and blood flow. It can also lead to rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage.
Medical personnel should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia by being able to detect a lack of progress following the head delivery, or if the fetus pulls back into the mother's pelvis in a move called the 'turtle neck' sign. The doctor should then contact for assistance and have other members of the team - typically an obstetrician who is a senior, a senior midwife and an paediatrician to enter the delivery room to help in the delivery.
Medical malpractice can be a result of a physician's failure to act quickly or utilizing excessive force during delivery. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can review the medical documents and consult with experts to determine whether there was a case of negligence that caused your child's shoulder dystocia. This information can be used to prove an legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, the majority of children who suffer from shoulder dystocia recover completely by 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 a portion of the spinal cord and meninges (protective membranes that protect the spinal nerves and the brain) enclosed in the sac-like membrane that extends into the body. Myelomeningocele, the most common form of Spina Bifida. It occurs in approximately one-half to one in every 1,000 pregnancies. Spina bifida isn't known to cause, but it could be caused by folic acid deficiencies in the mother or due to genetics and the environment.
Spina Bifida can be identified at the time of birth. A doctor may find it by looking at the newborn's back or seeing it on a scan of an image, such as an X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Spina bifida is a disorder that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close this hole, physical therapy to increasing muscle strength and range of motion as well as a wheelchair, and special braces. Children and infants with this condition may also need diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to address problems with bowels, such as incontinence.
You should speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after your child's injury. Not only is the time-limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of the injury and the evidence could be lost over time. The case could be forgotten or witnesses might change their minds. The longer you delay to speak with a lawyer, it will be harder to prove an argument.
It can be emotionally and economically stressful for families when a baby is born and requires long-term care. If your child's injuries resulted from an employee of a medical facility's negligence during the labor and delivery process, you could be eligible for compensation to provide your child's medical care. Contact obstetric negligence lawyer to discuss your case and find out whether you're eligible for financial compensation.