Naperville Birth Injury Lawyers
Was your child injured during birth? Our Naperville birth injury lawyers can help you secure your infant’s future.
Birth injuries can leave injured victims permanently disabled, forever altering the trajectory of their lives. When a medical professional’s negligence causes your family to suffer such harm, you can hold them accountable through a birth injury lawsuit. The financial recovery obtained through this lawsuit can help protect your family from shouldering the costs of living with a disability.
The birth injury lawyers at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy have a stake in your child’s recovery. When you retain our legal team, you get:
- FREE case evaluations
- An experienced team with over 50 years of experience
- Advocates that see you as more than a case number
- No legal costs unless you win your case
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors that occur before, during, or immediately after the delivery process. These injuries can result from complications during labor, medical negligence, or underlying health conditions.
Complications During Labor and Delivery
Extended labor can increase the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby. Prolonged pressure on the baby’s head can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries. Situations like breech births (when the baby is positioned feet-first) or shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck) can cause physical trauma. Forceful or improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can also result in injury. If the baby’s oxygen supply is compromised during delivery, it can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), resulting in brain damage or other serious health issues.
Medical Negligence
Medical negligence on the healthcare team’s part can yield birth injuries. Inadequate monitoring of the mother and baby’s vital signs can lead to missed signs of distress. Prompt medical intervention is crucial when complications arise. Not performing a timely cesarean section in cases of fetal distress, large baby size (macrosomia), or placental issues can cause birth injuries. Incorrect administration of anesthesia or other medications can affect both the mother and the baby, leading to complications during delivery.
Maternal Health Conditions
In some cases, birth injuries are caused by improper prenatal care. Untreated maternal infections can be transmitted to the baby during birth, causing serious health issues. Maternal conditions, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, increase the risk of complications that can lead to birth injuries. Babies born prematurely are more vulnerable to injuries due to underdeveloped organs and systems.
Birth injuries can stem from a mix of complications during labor, medical negligence, maternal health issues, and environmental or genetic factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and ensuring prompt, effective medical intervention when necessary.
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What Are the Signs of a Birth Injury?
Recognizing the signs of a birth injury is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Signs can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but often include immediate physical abnormalities such as bruises, swelling, or fractures, particularly on the head, neck, or shoulders. Difficulty breathing, indicated by rapid or labored breathing, blue-tinted skin (cyanosis), or persistent crying, is another immediate sign. Additionally, feeding problems, such as trouble latching or sucking, weak reflexes, or difficulty swallowing, can also suggest a birth injury.
Neurological Signs
The neurological signs of a birth injury are particularly concerning. Seizures occurring shortly after birth can indicate a neurological injury, and low Apgar scores (assessing appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) after birth may signal distress or injury. Poor muscle tone, characterized by limpness, lack of movement, or floppy limbs, suggests nerve or brain injury.
Developmental Delays
As the child grows, developmental delays become more apparent. Missing milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling, and abnormal movements like involuntary movements, stiffness, or difficulty with coordination, can indicate a birth injury. Behavioral signs include excessive irritability, such as constant crying or discomfort, and unusual sensitivity to light or sound.
Other Signs
Other indicators of a birth injury include persistent feeding difficulties, which might point to neurological or muscular problems, and severe jaundice that does not respond to treatment, indicating underlying issues. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of these signs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing birth injuries and improving outcomes for the affected child.
How Much Is a Birth Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a birth injury claim varies based on the severity of the injury, the impact on the child’s life, and the circumstances of the case. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, such as ongoing treatment, surgeries, and therapy. It also accounts for future care costs, lost earning potential, and special education needs. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also considered.
The details of each case, including the strength of the evidence and the jurisdiction, also play a role in determining the claim’s value. Consulting with an experienced birth injury attorney is crucial for an accurate assessment and to ensure the maximum compensation is pursued for your child.
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