Birth Injury Attorney
Medical malpractice claims involving birth injuries are complex. The plaintiff must show that the doctor did not provide reasonable medical treatment and caused injury.
These cases often require expert witnesses to prove that the doctor's treatment fell below accepted standards within their specialty. They must also prove that the child suffered compensable damage.
Injury to the Brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extends from the spinal cord to the arm and shoulder. Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury may include weakness, pain, or loss of movement in the shoulder hand, and arm. Some patients recover without treatment. Others may require occupational or physical therapy.
X-rays can be taken of the neck, shoulders and arms to check for fractures in the bone. MRI is commonly used to determine the brachial-plexus. This imaging test creates clear images of dense structures, such as bones, with small amounts of radiation. The provider might inject a color into the spinal cord in order to enhance the MRI images. The doctor may also require a computed-tomography (CT) myelogram scan to check the vertebrae. This test is especially useful in the detection of spinal nerve avulsions.
A physical exam is typically the first step to determine whether or not a child suffers an injury to the brachial plexus. The provider will compare the function, sensation and appearance of the injured side to the side that is not injured. X-rays or electrodiagnostic testing can confirm the diagnosis.
Certain children who have injuries to their brachial plexus will recover spontaneously. Others may require physical or occupational therapy. Patients who require therapy will be evaluated by an expert team, including a plastic surgeon orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist.
The team will design a treatment plan that works best for the patient. The treatment plan could include stretching, exercises, positioning and splinting, or surgery. It is crucial that children suffering from this condition see a doctor since it may take a bit of time before the nerves are fully recovered.
An experienced Santa Fe birth injury lawyer can help parents get compensation for their child's medical expenses as well as future costs. They can work with medical professionals to collect the necessary documents and file a lawsuit when necessary. They can also bargain with doctors and hospitals to get the maximum compensation possible for the family. If your child is injured due to an injury as a result of negligence during the birth or during labor, contact a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as you can.
Erb's Palsy
Erb's Palsy can be caused by a physician's negligence in the delivery room. It is described as a result of damage to the upper brachial nerves. This results in weakness or paralysis of the arm, and sometimes also the hand. In a lot of cases the fingers of the affected arm slump downwards or be in what is referred to as the "waiter's tip" position, meaning that they are bent toward the body. The injury could affect the arm, shoulder and elbow. The condition can cause numbness and discomfort in the hand and arm, as well as difficulty moving them.
Most times the problem will go away by itself. If the condition does not improve with physiotherapy then your doctor may recommend surgery. This may involve tendon transfers, nerve grafts or a muscle repair surgery. Nerves develop and recover slowly, so the healing process can take months or even years.
You can make a claim if the medical team's negligence led to your child's Erb palsy. A qualified Erb's palsy attorney can assist you in determining whether your case is valid and advise you on the next steps you should take. If the case is meritorious an attorney can help to secure the financial compensation your child needs for his injury.
Families with children with Erb's palsy face significant health costs. A reputable Erb's Palsy lawyer can help you obtain an equitable settlement to ensure that your child can receive the treatment they require today and in the future.
Contact an experienced santa-fe birth injury lawyer if your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can assist you in understanding and assert your legal rights and also file a medical negligence lawsuit to get the financial compensation you deserve. To win a birth injury lawsuit a lawyer needs to establish that the condition of your child was the result of the care provider's negligence. This requires a thorough investigation, which is why you should choose an attorney with experience in this kind of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE occurs when an infant is deficient in oxygen during pregnancy, delivery or right after birth. This condition affects the brain and can cause problems to other organs, such as the lungs, the heart and liver. HIE can lead to lasting, serious damage that can affect the physical, cognitive and behavioral performance. It is one of the leading causes of infant deaths and permanent disability in the United States.
The severity of HIE is determined by the length of time the brain was deprive of oxygen. Infants with mild HIE cases may recover completely and have no impairments. However, those with severe or moderate HIE cases are more likely to have health issues that persist for the rest of their lives. These include epilepsy and hearing or vision impairments.
HIE can be caused by birth issues like uterine ruptures, cord prolapses, placentas previas, or breech presentations. These risks can be minimized through a C-section, however medical professionals must carry out the procedure as fast as they can to ensure that oxygen is not cut off to the baby's brain. The use of labor induction drugs Pitocin or Cytotec can also trigger hyperstimulation, a potentially dangerous condition. This can hinder the flow of air into the baby's lungs.
Symptoms of HIE can be hard to identify, particularly in the initial hours following birth. A baby with HIE can be floppy and unresponsive to sounds or sights, or they may become very anxious and respond more intensely to stimulation than a normal newborn. A weak mouth and throat muscle can cause feeding problems. Other signs include an insufficient Apgar, meconium in the umbilical fluid as well as abnormal fetal pulse tracings.
The most common treatment of HIE is therapeutic cooling, also referred to as hypothermia. It involves slowly cooling an infant down to 92 degrees Fahrenheit over several days, before slowly warming them. It is crucial that HIE is diagnosed as soon possible so that the baby can be allowed to receive this treatment. The cooling process reduces blood flow to the brain that is oxygen-rich and also reduces the amount of toxins.
cerebral palsy attorney at birth
Birth asphyxia happens when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen to their brains during or near the time of birth. This can be caused in a number of ways and can even be fatal. Birth asphyxia is usually connected with hypoxic-ischemic (HIE), a brain injury that can lead to long-term disabilities like cerebral palsy.
HIE can easily be prevented with timely treatment. This includes therapeutic hypothermia, which reduces the risk of death or severe disability by 62-48%. The therapy should begin within six hours after birth. It could include complete body cooling, fluid support with drips, and medications to treat blood pressure or seizures issues.
Hemorrhage and infection as well as placental abnormalities are the most typical causes of asphyxia in the birth. Asphyxia at birth can also be caused by medical negligence. If your child is injured in this way, you should consult an attorney for birth injuries right away.
Birth asphyxia can trigger various symptoms, based on the intensity and duration of the oxygen deprivation. These symptoms can include fatigue, low muscular tone, or breathing difficulties. In certain cases babies can suffer from severe neurological problems, such as seizure disorders or learning disabilities.
A Santa Fe birth injury attorney can help you determine whether your child's illness is the result of an error in medical care and file a claim for compensation against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll have to gather many documents, including medical records, hospital notes, doctor's notes and other documents related to the care of your child. The more information your attorney has, the easier it will prove malpractice and get compensation for your child's injury.
While it is prevented, birth asphyxia still the leading cause of infant deaths and serious impairments. This condition is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, and can lead to a myriad of other complications such as Erb's Palsy or HIE. Our lawyers can help you recover the compensation needed to pay for rehabilitation and other costs.