Ten Myths About Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys That Dont Always Hold
Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys
The labor, pregnancy and delivery process can be extremely difficult. Sometimes, these issues cause birth injuries that can have lasting consequences for the child and family members.
A central Illinois birth injury lawyer from central Illinois can assist you in assessing your situation and review all of your options, and know your rights. Keep all medical records relating to your pregnancy and birth in case they prove useful in the event of a lawsuit.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that connects the neck to the arms. These nerves regulate the motion and sensation of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb's palsy occurs when these nerves are damaged in childbirth. This condition can result in permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. Fortunately, modern medical procedures can restore some sensation and motion in a lot of instances. However, these treatments are expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury attorneys can assist families receive the financial compensation required to cover the cost of treatment and other costs that are associated with birth injuries.
Medical negligence can lead to these injuries, and doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have the responsibility of adhering to established guidelines for care during labor and delivery. Medical malpractice is the failure to recognize a risk of complications, using excessive force during labor and delivery, or failing to respond quickly when problems arise. In addition hospitals and birthing centers are also accountable for ensuring that staff members adhere to the correct procedures and protocols.
Erb's Palsy is caused by a variety of factors however the most frequent cause is an injury to the brachial-plexus during childbirth. This type of injury typically occurs when a midwife or doctor makes use of too much force to deliver 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 suggest a difficult delivery is taking place.
The symptoms of brachial-plexus injury include weakness or paralysis of the hand and arm affected, difficulty in moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip of the fingers and hand. It is also possible for the nerves to heal over time, but this can take years. Some people may never recover full function of their arms and hands, even after surgery.
The brachial plexus is diagnosed by physical examinations, MRIs and other tests like nerve conduction studies as well as electrical stimulation. The doctor will also assess the strength, range of motion, and sensation in your hand or arm to the same on your non-affected side.
Brain Injury
The majority of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child has an injury to the brain you could be eligible for financial compensation. These damages can help pay for future medical care or therapy, as well as other treatments your child might require to manage his orher condition. For assistance, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer.
Brain damage during labor and birth is often the result of asphyxia, which happens when infants do not receive enough oxygen. It can happen in many ways, including problems with the umbilical cord, problems with the placenta or long labor.
Forceps, scissors and other tools are often employed by doctors to assist with more complicated deliveries. However, if they are used incorrectly or negligently, these can result in serious head injuries. These injuries include broken facial bones and swelling or bruising on the scalp, and damage to the brain.
If your child sustained an injury to the brain because of a medical error during birth or labor it is possible to file a medical negligence lawsuit. You will need an experienced birth injury lawyer to ensure that you are aware of the laws of your state, and that your claim meets the legal requirements.
Generally, birth injury law consultation will need to file your medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of the date of the negligent act, or in some instances it is within two years of the date you first realized that you had suffered an injury. It is important to contact an attorney for birth injuries in your area as soon as possible to get started.
Medical negligence that leads to birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for families. A successful legal case may result in a settlement that covers the ongoing medical expenses of your family, replaces any income your child might not be able earn, and compensates your child for their suffering, pain, and emotional turmoil. Our firm has the experience and compassion to ensure a fair settlement for your child. Contact us today to arrange a no-cost case review. We will not charge a fee unless we settle or win your case.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the shoulders of a newborn child get stuck in the mother's pelvis. This is a fairly common occurrence and a lot of doctors are trained to detect it and take action to prevent serious complications both for the mother and child. However, if a doctor mishandles shoulder dystocia, both of them could suffer serious injuries and permanent disabilities.
This is usually caused by a fetus that is too large to fit through the birth canal. As such, it is often a sign that the maternity team may need to perform a C-section to give birth safely. However, in some cases the obstetrician does not recognize that the fetus is too large to be delivered vaginally and instead, they use excessive force or a prolonged traction during labor and delivery to get the baby through the birth canal.
When a baby's shoulder gets wedged behind the mother's pubic bone during labor, it can cause a variety of problems including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone (humerus). This could also lead to an umbilical chord that is compressed that stops blood and oxygen flow. Finally, it can cause uterine rupture or hemorrhage.
The medical staff should be able to recognize shoulder dystocia if they see an absence of progress following the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the mother’s pelvis and is a sign referred to as the ‘turtle neck’ sign. The physician should then call for assistance and have additional team members - usually an obstetrician who is a senior or a senior midwife, as well as paediatrician enter the delivery room to assist with the delivery.
Medical malpractice can be a result of a doctor's failure to act quickly or using excessive force during delivery. A Chicago birth injury attorney will review medical documents 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 support an injury claim. Fortunately, most babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia heal completely by age three.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida occurs when the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal nervous system) in a sac-like membrane that extends out of the body. Myelomeningocele is the most common form of Spina Bifida. It is found in about one-half to one of every 1,000 pregnancies. Spina Bifida isn't well-known to cause, however it can be caused by deficiencies in folic acid in the mother or due to genetics and environment.
Spina bifida is a condition that can be detected after a baby's birth. A doctor might discover it when inspecting the back of a newborn or scanning an image such as an X-ray, or ultrasound.
Spina Bifida is a condition 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 braces. Babies and children with this condition may require diapers or undergo bladder or surgery for bowels to manage problems with bowels, such as incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.
You should contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after the injury of your child. Not only is the statute of limitations on medical malpractice claims two years from the date of the injury, but evidence may disappear with time. The case might be lost in the shuffle or witnesses could change their minds. The longer you wait to talk to a lawyer it will be more difficult to prove an argument.
When a child is born with an injury that is a result of birth and requires lifelong care, it can be emotionally and financially stressful for the entire family. If a healthcare provider's negligence caused the birth injury of your child, you may be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your situation, and determine if you are eligible for an opportunity to claim financial compensation.
