Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be extremely complicated. These issues can result in birth injuries that have lasting effects for the child and their family. A central Illinois birth injury attorney from central Illinois can assess your situation, review your options, and help learn about your rights. Keep all medical records pertaining to your pregnancy and birth in case they prove helpful in a future lawsuit. Brachial Plexus Injuries The brachialplexus is a network of nerves that runs from the neck to the arms. These nerves control movement and sensation of the arm, shoulder and hand. Erb's Palsy can be caused when these nerves are damaged in the birth of a child. This condition can cause permanent impairment to the hand or arm affected. In a lot of cases, new treatments for medical conditions can restore some movement and sensation. These treatments are costly. Our brachial-plexus injury attorneys are able to help families receive the financial compensation needed to pay for medical treatment and other expenses associated with these birth injuries. These injuries can be caused by medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are accountable to adhere to established standards of care in relation to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice includes inability to recognize the possibility of complications, excessive force during labor and delivery, or failing to respond quickly when problems arise. Hospitals and birthing facilities must also ensure that their staff adhere to the correct protocols and procedures. Erb's Palsy can be caused by a variety of causes however, the most frequent reason is the damage to the brachial plexus after birth. This type of injury is typically caused by a doctor or midwife using too much force when giving birth. This can also happen if the baby is in the breech position or when a doctor fails to perform an Cesarean when there are indications that a complicated delivery might be taking place. Symptoms of brachial pain include weakness or paralysis in the affected hand and arm as well as difficulty moving the shoulder, and a weak grip on the fingers and hand. The nerves may also heal over time, but it can take years. Some people will never regain the full functionality of their hands and arms, even after surgery. Injuries to the brachial plexus can be identified through physical exams, MRIs, and other tests, like nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will also evaluate the strength, range of motion, and sensation in your arm or hand with the one on your unaffected side. Brain Injury Many of the most traumatic birth injuries are brain-related. If your child suffers from a brain injury, then you could be entitled to financial compensation. These damages can help pay for the cost of future medical care or therapy as well as other treatments your child will require to treat his or her condition. Contact a knowledgeable Illinois birth injury lawyer to get help. Brain damage during labor and delivery is usually caused by asphyxia, which happens when infants do not get enough oxygen. It can happen in a variety of ways, including complications with the umbilical chord or placenta or prolonged labor. Forceps, scissors and other tools are often employed by doctors to help with more complex deliveries. However when they are used incorrectly or improperly, they could cause serious injuries to the head. These injuries can result in facial fractures, swelling, or scalp bruises, and also damage to the brain. If your child sustained a brain injury due to a medical mistake during the birth or during labor, you may be able to file a medical negligence lawsuit. You'll need a skilled birth injury lawyer to ensure that you are aware of the laws in your state and that your claim is in line with the legal requirements. Generally, you will need to file a medical negligence lawsuit within two years of the date of the negligent act, or, in some cases, within two years of the date you first realized that you had suffered an injury. To get started it is essential to speak with an attorney who handles birth injuries in your local area. Medical negligence that leads to birth injuries can have devastating consequences for families. A successful legal case may result in an agreement that covers the ongoing medical costs of your family, and replaces any income your child may not be able earn and compensates your child for their pain, suffering and emotional distress. Our firm has the compassion and experience to fight for a fair settlement for your child. Contact us for a free consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we settle or win your case. Shoulder Dystocia Shoulder dystocia can be described as a type of birth injury that occurs when a baby's shoulders get stuck in the pelvis of the mother during the birth. This is a common one, and a lot of doctors are trained to notice it and intervene to prevent serious complications for mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dislocation both the mother and child may suffer serious injuries and even disabilities. This condition is typically due to the fetus being too big to fit into the birth canal. It is often a sign the maternity team will have to perform a C section to safely deliver the baby. In certain instances, however, the obstetrician does not recognize that the fetus is too large to deliver via vaginal delivery and instead, uses excessive force during labor and delivery or prolonged tension to pull the baby out of the birth canal. If a baby's hand gets wedged between the pubic bones of the mother during labor, this could cause a variety of complications. This includes fractures in the collarbone (clavicle) or the upper arm bone(humerus). It could also cause an umbilical cord that has been compressed which cuts off blood flow and oxygen. It could also cause rupture of the uterine artery and uterine hemorrhage. The medical team will be able to detect shoulder dystocia when they notice an inability to progress after the head delivery or if the fetus pulls back into the pelvis of the mother this is known as the"turtle neck" sign. The physician should then call for assistance and have other members of the team - typically an obstetrician who is a senior or a senior midwife, as well as an paediatrician to enter the delivery room to assist in the delivery. Medical malpractice could be a result of a doctor's inability to act quickly or using excessive force during delivery. A Chicago birth injury attorney can review the medical documents and consult with experts to determine if there was an act of negligence that led to the shoulder dystocia of your child. This can then be used to prove an legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, most babies who sustain shoulder dystocia recover fully by the age of three. Spina Bifida Spina bifida happens when the vertebrae of the spine do not close completely, leaving a small portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, the membranes that protect the brain and spinal nerve system) in a sac-like membrane that protrudes out of the body. Myelomeningocele is the most common form of Spina Bifida. It occurs in one-half to one of every 1,000 pregnancies. There is no precise answer to what causes spina bifida but it is believed to be related to folic acid deficiencies in the mother, genetics and the environment. Sometimes, spina Bifida isn't diagnosed until after a baby is born. A doctor could discover it when looking at the back of a newborn or by scanning an image like an X-ray or ultrasound. Spina Bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Treatments include surgery to close this hole, physical therapy to improving muscle strength and range-of-motion as well as a wheelchair, and special braces. Children and babies who have this condition might also have to use diapers or undergo bowel or bladder surgery to address problems with bowels, such as incontinence. It is important to contact an Chicago birth injury lawyer as soon as you can after the injury of your child. Not only is the time-limit for medical malpractice claims two years from the date of injury however, evidence could disappear as time passes. Witnesses could move or their memories of the case may fade. The longer you wait to consult with an attorney and the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to establish your case. It can be emotionally and financially stressful for families when a baby is born and requires ongoing care for the rest of their lives. If a healthcare worker's negligence caused the birth injury of your child and you are a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your child. Contact a Chicago birth injuries lawyer to discuss your case and determine if you have a financial compensation claim.