10 Easy Steps To Start Your Own Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys Business Illinois Birth Injury Attorneys

The pregnancy, labor and delivery process can be extremely complicated. These complications may result in birth injuries with long-lasting consequences for the child and their family.

A central Illinois birth injury attorney can evaluate your situation, go over your options, and help understand your rights. Save all medical records related to your pregnancy and delivery because they could prove useful in a future lawsuit.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachialplexus is a set of nerves which runs from the neck down to the arms. These nerves regulate the movements and sensations of the shoulder, arm, and hand. If these nerves become damaged during childbirth, it can cause a condition called Erb's palsy. The condition can cause permanent loss of function in the affected arm and hand. Fortunately, modern medical procedures can restore some sensation and movement in many cases. These treatments are expensive. Our brachial-plexus injury lawyers can help families receive the financial compensation required to pay for medical treatment and other expenses that are associated with birth injuries.

These injuries can result from medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are responsible for following established guidelines of care when it comes to labor and delivery. Medical malpractice includes failure to recognize a risk of complications, excessive force during labor and delivery, or failing to respond promptly when problems arise. Hospitals and birthing centers must ensure that their staff adhere to the correct 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. This injury is usually caused by a midwife or doctor using too much force when delivering the baby. It can also happen when the baby is in the breech position, or in the event that a doctor does not perform the Cesarean when there are indications that suggest a difficult delivery.

The signs of abrachial-plexus injuries include weakness or paralysis of the arm and hand affected, difficulty moving the shoulders and hand, and a weak grip of the fingers and hands. The nerves can also heal over time, but it takes years. Some people might never regain the full functionality of their hands and arms even after surgery.

Injuries to the brachial plexus can be diagnosed through physical exams, MRIs, and other tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electrical stimulation. The doctor will compare the strength of your arm, its range of movement and feel with the side that is unaffected.

Brain Injury

Many 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 could help provide future medical treatment or therapy, as well as other treatments that your child might require to manage his orher illness. If you need help, call an Illinois birth injury lawyer.

Brain damage during labor and delivery is often the result of asphyxia, which happens when a baby does not get enough oxygen. It can occur in various ways, including complications with the umbilical cord, issues with the placenta, or prolonged labor.

Forceps, scissors and other tools are often employed by doctors to help with more complicated deliveries. However, if they are used improperly or negligently, these can cause serious injuries to the head. These injuries can result in facial fractures, swelling or scalp bruises, as well as damage to the brain.

If birth injury legal counsel suffered an injury to the brain due to a medical mistake during labor or delivery it is possible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. You'll need to work with a seasoned birth injury lawyer who can help you understand the laws in your state and make sure that your claim is compliant with all requirements, including the statute of limitations.

Generally, you'll have to file your medical malpractice lawsuit within two years from the date of the negligence or in certain cases, within two years of the time you were able to recognize the injury. To begin it is crucial to consult a birth injury attorney in your local area.

Medical negligence that causes 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, and replaces any income your child might not be able earn and compensates your child for the suffering, pain, and emotional distress. Our firm has the knowledge and compassion necessary to fight for your child's right to an equitable settlement. Contact us today to arrange an initial free case review. We don't charge any fees until we have won your case or settle it.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia happens when the shoulders of a newborn baby become stuck in the mother's pelvis. This condition is a common one, and many doctors are trained to recognize it and act to prevent serious complications for mother and child. If a doctor fails to recognize shoulder dislocations, both mother and child may suffer severe injuries and disabilities.

This is usually due to a fetus that is too large to pass through the birth canal. This is often a sign that the maternity team will need to perform a C-section in order to deliver the infant safely. However, in certain instances the obstetrician does not realize that the fetus may be too large for vaginal birth and instead resorts to excessive force or a prolonged contractions during labor and birth to get the baby through the birth canal.

If a baby's shoulder is trapped behind the pubic bone of the mother during labor, it could cause a variety of complications including fractures to the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm bone (humerus). It can also result in a compressed umbilical cord that cuts off blood flow and oxygen. In the end, it could cause uterine rupture or hemorrhage.

The medical staff will be able to detect shoulder dystocia if they see an absence of progress following 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 seek assistance and request additional team members to join the delivery room. These include the senior obstetrician and a midwife as well as paediatricians.

If a doctor did not respond swiftly enough to the situation or if they used force that was unnecessary during the delivery this could be considered medical malpractice. A Chicago birth injury lawyer can examine the medical records of your child and consult with experts to determine whether negligence contributed to the shoulder dystocia. This can then be used to support a legal claim for compensation. Fortunately, the majority of children who suffer from shoulder dystocia heal fully by the age of three.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida happens when the vertebrae of the spine don't close completely, leaving a portion of the spinal cord (and meninges, which are the membranes that protect the brain and spinal nerve system) in a saclike membrane that protrudes out of the body. The most common form of spina bifida is myelomeningocele. It occurs in between one and one-half out of every 1,000 births in the United States. It is unclear what causes spina bifida however, it is believed to be related to folic acid deficiency in the mother, genetics and the environment.

Sometimes, spina bifida can't be discovered until after the baby is born. A doctor may discover it by examining the baby's back or observing it on a scan of an image, 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 improve muscle strength and range of motion, a wheelchair and special braces. Children and babies affected by this condition may need to wear diapers or undergo bladder or surgery for bowels to manage issues with their bowels such as incontinence, or difficulty in emptying the bladder.


You should speak with an Chicago birth injury lawyer as early as you can after the injury of your child. The time limit for medical malpractice claims is two years from the date of injury. Evidence may also disappear over time. The case may be lost in the shuffle or witnesses could change their minds. The longer you delay to consult a lawyer, it will be more difficult to prove a case.

It can be emotionally and economically stressful for families when a baby is born needing lifelong care. If your child's injuries resulted from the negligence of a healthcare professional during the labor and birth process, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of your child's treatment. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and determine if you have a financial compensation claim.