Due to advancements in modern medicine and technology, childbirth is much safer than it used to be. However, mistakes still occur every year in hospitals and birthing centers, leading to devastating injuries to the mother, newborn, or both.
Children born with birth injuries frequently face challenging physical and emotional obstacles that can persist throughout their lifetime. The financial cost of caring for these injuries can take an immense toll on a family’s finances.
Fortunately, a Normal birth injury lawyer could help you pursue a financial recovery in a personal injury claim against the people responsible for your child’s harm. If you or your child were harmed during childbirth, do not hesitate to reach out to our compassionate injury attorneys.
What Leads to Injuries During Childbirth?
Any injury that occurs during the course of a pregnancy or the labor and delivery process is considered a birth injury. However, not all birth injuries are grounds to pursue malpractice claims. If there was nothing a doctor could have done differently to prevent the mother or child suffering harm, then it is unlikely to be grounds for civil action.
Families can pursue legal action if their losses occurred because an obstetrician, midwife, nurse, or other medical professional failed to act reasonably per the standards of their profession. Healthcare professionals who work in labor and delivery wards are trained to look out for potential problems that could lead to troublesome complications. If they can spot a potential problem and act quickly to resolve the issue, they might be able to prevent a birth injury from occurring.
Some of the signs of a potential birthing complication include when:
- A baby is in a breech or transverse position, instead of head down
- A baby is deprived of oxygen during delivery
- A c-section is not performed in time, such as when a baby is stuck for too long in the birth canal
- An obstetrician injures a baby due to their misuse of a vacuum or forceps
- An obstetrician does not order standard prenatal tests in a routine pregnancy or fails to order specific prenatal tests if they are indicated by a specific pregnancy
- A medical staff member fails to recognize dangerous conditions, such as infections, and treat them properly
If you suspect that your baby suffered an avoidable injury that could have been prevented if medical providers had acted properly, you should reach out to a skilled Normal lawyer to discuss the matter.
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Common Types of Birth Injuries in Normal
Mistakes made by medical workers in the delivery room or during pregnancy can lead to both physical and cognitive impairments. Babies deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery can suffer permanent brain damage. Other common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, paralysis of the facial nerves, head injuries, torticollis, and other neck injuries.
Some birth injuries may lead to a lifetime of medical visits, physical therapy, or even around-the-clock nursing care. Our local attorneys could make sure to ask for a damages award that would include all of a child’s anticipated physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial losses stemming from their childbirth injury.
Statute of Limitations
According to 735 ILCS § 5/13-212(b), families have eight years to file a suit after a birth injury. However, it is still critical to meet with a Normal attorney as soon as possible after discovering the birth injury. An experienced local attorney could help investigate the baby’s injuries, speak with witnesses, review the baby’s medical record, consult with medical experts, and gather and preserve all relevant evidence.
Contact a Normal Birth Injury Attorney Today
If you suspect that your child sustained an injury due to a medical mistake during their birth, do not delay. Reach out to a Normal birth injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. Our attorneys will review the case and advise you whether it is in your best interests to pursue a legal claim. Contact our office today.