Birth Injury in Harvey, IL: Your Trusted Legal Advocates
The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion. However, for some families in Harvey, IL, this joy can be overshadowed by the devastating effects of a birth injury. Birth injuries refer to any harm that a newborn sustains during labor or delivery.
When a Birth Injury Harvey, IL occurs due to medical negligence, it is not just a tragic accident; it is a preventable event that demands accountability.
At RR Law, we understand a birth injury’s profound impact on a family. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is committed to helping families in Harvey, IL, seek justice and obtain the compensation they need to care for their injured child.
We specialize in birth injury cases, offering compassionate, personalized legal representation to protect your rights.
Common Birth Injuries in Newborns
Birth injuries can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of symptoms and potential complications. Some of the most common birth injuries in newborns include:
- Cerebral Palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation during birth, cerebral palsy affects motor skills, muscle tone, and posture. Children with cerebral palsy may require lifelong medical care and therapy.
- Erb’s Palsy: This condition results from damage to the brachial plexus nerves during delivery, often due to excessive pulling on the infant’s head or shoulders. Erb’s palsy can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
- Brain Damage: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when a newborn’s brain is deprived of oxygen during labor or delivery. This can lead to severe cognitive and physical disabilities.
- Fractures: While some fractures may heal without long-term effects, others, such as a fractured clavicle, can cause significant pain and complications if not properly treated.
Each of these injuries can have lasting effects on a child’s health and development, making it crucial to identify the cause of the injury and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Recognizing Birth Injury Symptoms
Parents often face a challenging time recognizing the signs of a birth injury, as some symptoms may not be immediately apparent. However, early detection is critical to ensuring your child receives the appropriate medical care. Some common birth injury symptoms to watch for include:
- Difficulty feeding or latching: This can be a sign of neurological damage or other issues affecting the infant’s ability to suck and swallow.
- Abnormal muscle tone: Both unusually stiff or floppy limbs may indicate a neurological problem such as cerebral palsy.
- Delayed milestones: If your child is not meeting typical developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling, it could be a sign of a Birth Injury Harvey, IL.
- Seizures: Seizures in newborns are often indicative of brain damage and should be evaluated immediately by a medical professional.
- Unusual movements or reflexes: These can include tremors, jerky movements, or an asymmetrical appearance, which might suggest nerve damage or other injuries.
Understanding the Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injury causes often stem from medical negligence or errors during the labor and delivery process. Some common causes include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: Doctors and nurses are trained to monitor the baby’s heart rate and other vital signs during labor. Failure to act on signs of fetal distress can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
- Improper use of delivery tools: Forceps or vacuum extractors can be necessary during a difficult delivery, but improper use can cause significant injuries, such as skull fractures or nerve damage.
- Delayed C-sections: If a baby is in distress, a C-section may be required to prevent injury. Delaying this procedure can result in serious complications, including brain damage or death.
- Excessive force during delivery: In some cases, doctors may use excessive force to deliver a baby, leading to fractures, nerve damage, or other injuries.
Complications of Birth Injuries
The complications of birth injuries can be extensive and long-lasting, affecting not only the child but the entire family. These complications may include:
- Lifelong medical care: Children with severe birth injuries may require ongoing medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and specialized care.
- Educational challenges: Birth injuries can lead to cognitive impairments that make learning difficult, requiring special education services and accommodations.
- Emotional and psychological impact: The stress of caring for a child with a birth injury can take a significant emotional toll on parents and siblings.
- Financial strain: The costs associated with caring for a child with a birth injury can be overwhelming, especially if parents need to reduce their work hours or stop working altogether to provide care.
At RR Law, we understand the challenges that families face after a birth injury.
Why Choose RR Law for Birth Injury Cases in Harvey, IL?
When you choose RR Law, you partner with a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to fighting for your family’s rights.
We deeply understand Illinois medical malpractice laws and have a proven track record of success in Birth Injury Harvey, IL cases. Our approach is compassionate and aggressive, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Determining negligence requires a detailed review of the medical records and the birth circumstances. Our team at RR Law can conduct a thorough investigation to identify any signs of negligence.
Compensation can cover various damages, including medical expenses, ongoing care, lost wages, pain and suffering. We aim to maximize your compensation to meet your child’s needs.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a birth injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
If your family has been affected by a birth injury in Harvey, IL, don’t wait to take action. Contact RR Law today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice your child deserves.