Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

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

A central Illinois birth injury lawyer can assist you in assessing your case and review all options and understand your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and delivery, as they may be useful in the event of a lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extends from the neck down to the arms. These nerves control the motion and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. Erb's Palsy can be caused when nerves are damaged during the birth of a child. This condition can lead to permanent loss of function for the arm or hand affected. Fortunately, medical advances can restore partial sensation and movement in many instances. However, these treatments are very expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury attorneys are able to help families get the financial compensation they need to pay to cover the cost of treatment and other costs related to these birth injuries.

Medical negligence can lead to these injuries and nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals are held to the responsibility of adhering to established standards of care during labor and delivery. Medical malpractice may include failing to recognize the possibility of complications during labor and delivery or using excessive force. Additionally, hospitals and birthing centers are also accountable to ensure that staff members adhere to the correct protocols and procedures.

Erb's Palsy is caused by many things however the most frequent cause is an injury to the brachial-plexus area during childbirth. This injury is usually caused by a doctor or midwife applying too much force when giving birth. It could also happen when the baby is in a breech position or when a doctor fails to perform the Cesarean section when there are signs of a complicated birth.

The signs of abrachial plexus injury lawyers include weakness or paralysis in the affected hand and arm, difficulty moving the shoulder, and a weak grip on the fingers and hand. The nerves may be healed over time, but it can take years. Some people will never be able to recover full function of their hands and arms, even after surgery.

The brachial plexus can be diagnosed by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests such as nerve conduction studies and electrical stimulation. The doctor will compare your arm's strength, range of motion and feel to the side that is not affected.

Brain Injury

A lot of the most severe birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from suffered a brain injury, you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages may aid in the payment of future medical care as well as therapy and other treatments your child may require to manage the condition. Contact a reputable Illinois birth injury lawyer for help.

Brain damage during labor and birth is often the result of asphyxia, which happens when an infant does not get enough oxygen. It can happen in many ways, such as complications with the umbilical cord and placenta problems or prolonged labor.

Doctors often use forceps and other tools to aid in more complex deliveries, but 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.

If your child sustained an injury to the brain because of a medical error during labor or delivery, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. You'll need to work with a seasoned birth injury lawyer to learn about the laws in your state and to ensure that your claim is in compliance with all requirements, like the statute of limitations.

Generally, you will need to file your medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of the date of the negligent act or in some instances the two-year period from when you reasonably discovered the injury. It is important to consult an attorney injury lawyer for birth injuries in your area as soon as possible to get started.

Medical negligence that results in birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal case could result in a settlement that covers the ongoing medical costs of your family, as well as any income your child might not be able earn and compensates your child for the suffering, pain, and emotional stress. Our firm has the experience and compassion to fight for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. We will not charge any fees unless we win or settle your case.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia can be described as a type of birth injury that occurs when the shoulders of a newborn get stuck in the pelvis of the mother during birth. This condition is a common one, and many doctors are trained to spot it and take action to avoid serious complications for mother and child. If the doctor mishandles shoulder dislocation the child and mother could suffer severe injuries and disabilities.

This complication is generally caused by the fetus being too large to fit through the birth canal. This is often a sign the maternity team will have to perform a C-section to give birth safely. In some instances, the obstetrician fails to realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth, and instead resorts to excessive force or prolonged contractions during labor and birth to help the baby get through the birth canal.

If a baby's hand gets wedged between the pubic bones of the mother during labor, this can cause a variety of complications. These include fractures in the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone(humerus). It can also result in a compressed umbilical chord that stops blood and oxygen flow. In the end, it could cause uterine rupture or hemorrhage.

Medical personnel will be able recognize shoulder dystocia by being able to detect a lack of progress after the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the pelvis of the mother in a move known as the 'turtle neck' sign. The doctor should then contact for assistance and have additional team members - usually an obstetrician who is a senior as well as a senior midwife and an paediatrician to enter the delivery room to assist in the delivery.

If a doctor failed to respond swiftly enough to this circumstance or if they used force that was unnecessary during the delivery, it can be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury attorney near me attorney can review the medical records and consult with experts to determine if there was an act of negligence that caused the shoulder dystocia of your child. This information can be used to back the claim for injury. Fortunately shoulder dystocia is typically completely recovered before the child is three years old.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida can be described as an open neural tube defect that occurs when the spine's bones (vertebrae) do not completely close, leaving a portion of the meninges and the spinal cord (protective membranes that cover the spinal nerves and brain) enclosed in a sac-like membrane that protrudes into the body. Myelomeningocele is the most common type of Spina Bifida. It is found in about one-half to one in every 1,000 pregnancies. Spina Bifida isn't well-known to cause, but it could be caused by deficiencies in folic acids in the mother, or genetics and the environment.

Spina Bifida can be identified after a baby's birth. A doctor might find 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.

If your child was born with spina Bifida, treatment might include surgery to close the hole in the spine physical therapy to increase the strength of muscles and range movement, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and babies who have this condition may also need to use diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to manage bowel issues such as incontinence.

You should speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after the child's injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years after the date of the injury. Evidence could also vanish as time passes. Witnesses may move away or their memories of the incident might fade, and the longer you put off consulting with a lawyer, the more difficult it will be to build your case.

If a child is born with an injury claim lawyer that is a result of birth and requires ongoing care, it can be financially and emotionally exhausting for the entire family. If your child's injuries were caused by the negligence of a healthcare professional during the labor and delivery process, you could be entitled to compensation to pay for your child's care. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your situation, and determine if you are eligible for an opportunity to claim financial compensation.