Birth Injury Attorney
Birth injuries are a complex. The plaintiff must show that the doctor failed to provide reasonable medical treatment and thereby caused injury.
Expert witnesses are often sought to prove that the doctor's treatment was not in accordance with the accepted standards of their field. They must also present evidence that the child suffered damages that are compensable.
Injury to the Brachial Plexus
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the arm and shoulder. The symptoms of a brachial injury could include weakness, pain or loss of mobility in the shoulder, hand and arm. Some patients recover without treatment. Others will require physical or occupational therapy.
X-rays can be taken from the neck, shoulders and arms to look for fractures in the bone. MRI is also frequently used to evaluate the brachial plexus. This imaging test creates clear pictures of dense structures like bones, with small amounts of radiation. The doctor might inject a color into the spinal cord to enhance the MRI images. birth injury legal counsel may also request a computed tomography (CT) myelogram scan to look at the vertebrae. This test is especially useful in finding spinal nerve avulsions.
A physical exam is the first step in determining whether or not your child has an injury to the brachial area. The doctor will assess how the affected side is feeling, looks and functions with the side that is not injured. Electrodiagnostic testing or X-rays may confirm the diagnosis.
Some children with brachial plexus injuries heal on their own, however some need to receive occupational or physical therapy. Those that need therapy will be evaluated by an expert team, comprising a plastic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist and physiotherapist.
The team will create an appropriate treatment plan that is best for the patient. The treatment plan could include stretching, exercises, position, splinting or surgery. It is crucial that children with this condition seek out a specialist as it could take time before the nerves heal.
A skilled Santa Fe birth injury attorney can help parents obtain compensation for their child's medical expenses therapy, future costs and other expenses. They can work with medical professionals in order to collect the necessary documentation and file a suit if required. They can also negotiate with hospitals and doctors to secure the highest amount of compensation for the family. If your child suffers an injury due to negligence during labor or delivery, contact a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as you can.
Erb's Palsy
A doctor's error during delivery can lead to Erb's Palsy, which is characterized by damage to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus. This can cause weakness or paralysis of the arm and sometimes the hand. In many instances, the fingers of the affected hand are sagging or in the "waiter’s tip" position. This means that they are bent towards the body. The injury could affect the shoulder, arm, 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 on its own. If the condition doesn't improve after physiotherapy, then your doctor might recommend surgery. This could involve tendon transfers, nerve grafts or muscle repair surgery. Nerves develop and recover slow, and the healing process can take months or even years.
You may file a lawsuit if the medical professional's negligence resulted in your child's Erb palsy. An experienced lawyer for Erb's palsy can assist you in determining whether your case is legitimate and give you guidance on the next steps. An attorney can help you receive financial compensation if your case is valid.
Families of children with Erb's Palsy have to pay for expensive health care costs and out-of-pocket expenses. A reputable Erb's Palsy lawyer can help you obtain an equitable settlement to ensure that your child can receive the medical care they require today and into the future.
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, contact an experienced santa fe birth injury attorney. A lawyer who is knowledgeable will help you understand and assert your rights under the law as well as bring a medical negligence lawsuit to get the financial compensation that you are entitled to. To win the case of a birth injury, the lawyer must demonstrate that the child's condition was caused by the care provider's negligence. This requires a thorough analysis of the facts, which is why it's important to choose an attorney that has experience with this type of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a condition that occurs when a baby is deprived of oxygen during pregnancy, birth or shortly after birth. The brain is affected by this condition, but it can also cause problems with other organs, such as the heart, lungs and liver. HIE can result in permanent, severe damage that can affect children's physical, cognitive and behavioral performance. It is one of the leading causes of infant death 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 who have mild cases of HIE may recover fully and not suffer from any disabilities however those suffering from severe or moderate cases are more likely to have permanent health issues. These issues may include epilepsy, visual or hearing impairments, and cerebral palsy.
HIE is usually caused by complications during a birth, such as uterine rupture or cord prolapse, placenta previa, or breech presentation. The risk of HIE can be minimized by a C section however, doctors must do it as quickly as possible so as to not cut off the oxygen supply to the baby’s brain. In addition the use of drugs that induce labor Pitocin and Cytotec can result in a potentially dangerous complication known as hyperstimulation, which can block the flow of oxygen to the baby's lungs.
Symptoms of HIE can be difficult to spot, especially in the initial hours following birth. A baby born with HIE could be floppy and insensitive to sounds or sights, or they could become extremely tense. They may be more sensitive to stimulation. They can also have issues with eating due to weak muscles in their throat and mouth. Other symptoms can be the low Apgar score, the presence of meconium in the umbilical cord fluid, and abnormal fetal heart rate tracer.
The most popular treatment for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia, which is also called cooling therapy. It involves cooling the infant slowly down to 92 degrees Fahrenheit for several days before slowly warming them up. It is important that HIE be identified as early as possible so that the baby can receive this treatment. The cooling process decreases blood flow to the brain that is oxygen-rich and also reduces the toxins.
Birth asphyxia
Birth asphyxia happens when a newborn doesn't receive enough oxygen to their brains during or near the time of birth. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances or conditions, and can even be fatal in severe instances. Most often birth asphyxia causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which is brain damage that can cause long-term conditions such as cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
HIE is easily prevented by timely treatment. This includes therapeutic hypothermia which reduces the risk of death or serious disability by 62-48%. This therapy must begin within six hours of birth. It can include whole-body cooling, fluid support through drips, and medications to treat blood pressure or seizures.
Hemorrhage and infection as well as placental abnormalities are the most typical causes of asphyxia in the birth. Birth asphyxia could also be due to inattention by a medical professional and that's why it is important to speak with an experienced birth injury lawyer right away in the event that your child has been affected by this kind of trauma.
Birth asphyxia may cause various symptoms based on the severity of oxygen deprivation and the length of time. These can include fatigue, poor muscle tone, or difficulty breathing. In certain cases babies may have serious neurological problems, such as seizures or learning disabilities.
A Santa Fe birth injury lawyer can assist you in determining if your child's condition resulted from an error in medical care and pursue an action against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll need to gather a large amount of documentation, including medical records, hospital and doctor notes, and any other documents related to your child's care. The more information your attorney has, the easier it will prove malpractice and receive compensation for the injury your child sustained.
Asphyxia at birth, even though it is preventable, is the most frequent cause of infant mortality and serious impairments. The condition occurs when there isn't enough oxygen in the brain. It can cause other complications, including Erb’s palsy and HIE. Our attorneys can help recover the amount of compensation required to pay for rehabilitation services and other costs.