Birth Injury Attorney
Medical malpractice claims involving birth injuries are complex. The plaintiff must show that the doctor did not provide a reasonable medical treatment and thereby caused injury.
These cases often require expert witnesses to prove that the doctor's treatment was not in accordance with accepted standards in their field of expertise. They also need to prove that the child suffered compensable injuries.
Brachial plexus injury
The brachialplexus nerve network that extends from the spinal cord to the arm and shoulder. A brachial injury can cause pain, weakness, or loss of motion in the arm, hand and shoulder. Some patients recover without treatment. Others may require physical or occupational therapy.
X-rays are taken of the neck, shoulders and arms to check for fractures in the bone. MRI is frequently used to evaluate the brachial plexus. The imaging test provides clear images of dense structures such as bones and tendons, while delivering only a small amount of radiation. The technician may inject a color around the spinal cord to enhance the MRI images. The doctor may also order a CT myelogram scan in order to check the vertebrae. This test is especially helpful for detecting spinal nerve avulsion injury.
A physical examination is the first step to determine if your child has a brachial plexus injury. The doctor will assess how the side that is injured feels, appears and functions with the uninjured. Electrodiagnostic testing or X-rays may confirm the diagnosis.
Some children with brachial-plexus injuries recover naturally. Others might 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 create the treatment plan that will work best for the patient. The treatment plan may include stretches, exercises and positioning, splinting, or surgery. It is essential that children with this condition see a doctor since it may take a bit of time before the nerves heal.
A skilled santa-fe birth injury lawyer can assist parents get compensation for their child's therapy, medical treatment and other future expenses. They can work with medical professionals to gather the necessary documents and file a lawsuit if appropriate. They will also negotiate with hospitals and doctors to obtain the maximum amount of amount of compensation that is possible for the family. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer immediately when your child has been injured as a result of negligence during labor or birth.
Erb's palsy
Erb's palsy may be caused by a physician's negligence in the delivery room. birth injury attorneys redlands is characterized as a result of damage to the upper brachial nerves. This causes weakness or paralysis of the arm and sometimes, also the hand. In many cases the fingers of the affected arm droop downward or be in what's known as the "waiter's tip" position, meaning that they are bent inwards towards the body. The injury may affect the arm, shoulder, and elbow. The injury can cause numbness or discomfort in the hand and arm as well as difficulty moving them.
Most times, the condition will resolve by itself. However, if it doesn't improve after physical therapy, your doctor might recommend surgery. This could include tendon transfers, nerve grafts, or muscle repair surgery. Nerves grow and heal slowly, which means that the time to recover can be months or even years.
You can make a claim if the medical team's negligence caused your child's Erb palsy. A qualified lawyer for Erb's Palsy can help you determine whether your claim is valid and give you advice on the next steps. An attorney can assist you to obtain financial compensation if the case is valid.
Families of children with Erb's palsy face expensive health care costs and out-of-pocket expenses. A qualified Erb’s palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement so your children get the treatment and support they require today and in the near future.
Contact a seasoned Santa-fe birth injury lawyer if your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy. A knowledgeable legal professional can help you understand your legal rights and file a medical negligence lawsuit to get the financial compensation you deserve. A lawyer must prove negligence on the part of the medical professional to prevail in a birth injury case. This requires a thorough examination of the facts. That is why it's crucial to select an attorney who is familiar with this type of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE happens when a newborn experiences oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery, or shortly after birth. The condition can affect the brain, but also other organs like the lungs, heart and liver. HIE can result in lasting, serious damage that affects children's 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 an incident of HIE is determined by how long the brain was deprived of oxygen. Infants with mild HIE cases may fully recover and develop no disabilities. However, those who have moderate or severe HIE cases are more likely to have health issues that persist for the rest of their lives. These problems include epilepsy and visual or hearing impairments.
HIE is often caused by complications during a birth, such as uterine rupture cord prolapse, placenta previa, or breech presentation. These risks can be reduced through a C-section, however medical professionals must perform the operation in the shortest time possible to ensure that oxygen is not cut off to the baby's brain. Additionally, the use of the drugs used to induce labor Pitocin and Cytotec can cause a dangerous complication known as hyperstimulation, which can block the flow of oxygen to the baby's lungs.
HIE symptoms are often difficult to identify particularly in the first few hours following birth. A baby with HIE can be floppy and insensitive to sounds or sights or they may become very anxious and respond more strongly to stimulation than a typical newborn. They may also experience difficulties with feeding due to weak muscles in their throat and mouth. Other signs include the low Apgar score, presence of meconium in the umbilical cord's fluid and abnormal fetal heart rate tracer.
The most commonly used treatment for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia which is also called cooling therapy. This involves cooling the infant gradually to temperatures of 92 degrees Fahrenheit over several days and then slowly warming them back up. It is crucial that HIE is detected as early as possible so that the baby can be allowed to receive this treatment. The cooling process reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing through the brain and decreases the release of toxins.
Asphyxia during birth
Birth asphyxia occurs when a baby's brain isn't getting sufficient oxygen during or shortly after the birth. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances or conditions, and may be fatal in extreme instances. Most often birth asphyxia causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which is a type of brain damage that can result in long-term problems like cerebral palsy, among other disabilities.
HIE can be easily treated promptly to prevent it. This includes therapeutic hypothermia which reduces the chance of dying or serious disability to 62-48 percent. The treatment must be initiated within six hours of birth. It could include all-body cooling, support for fluids via drips and medications to treat blood pressure or seizures.
The most frequent causes of birth asphyxia are hemorrhage infections, abnormalities in the placenta, uterine dysfunction, and cord problems. Birth asphyxia can be the result of negligence by medical professionals, which is why it's crucial to contact an experienced attorney for birth injuries right away in the event that your child has been affected by this type of trauma.
Birth asphyxia may cause many symptoms, based on the severity of oxygen deprivation and its duration. The symptoms may include a lack of energy, poor muscular tone, or breathing issues. In certain cases babies can suffer from severe neurological problems, including seizure disorders, learning disabilities, or developmental delays.
A Santa Fe birth injury lawyer can help you determine whether your child's condition was the result of a medical error and file an action against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll have to gather lots of evidence, including medical records as well as hospital notes, doctor's notes and other documents pertaining to the care of your child. The more information your attorney has, the more likely to prove that there was a mistake and get compensation for your child's injuries.
While it is prevented, birth asphyxia still the leading cause of infant deaths and severe impairments. This condition is caused when there is not enough oxygen in the brain. It can lead to other complications, such as Erb’s palsy and HIE. Our lawyers can assist in recovering the money needed to pay for rehabilitation and other costs.