Birth Injury Attorney
Birth injuries are a complex area of medical malpractice. The plaintiff must prove that the doctor was unable to provide reasonable medical treatment and caused injury.
The majority of these cases involve expert witnesses who help establish that the doctor's treatment fell below accepted standards within their specialty. They must also demonstrate that the child suffered compensable damage.
Injury to the brachial plexus
The brachial complex is a set of nerves that extends from the spinal cord to the shoulder and arm. A brachial injury can result in discomfort, weakness, or loss of motion in the arm, hand and shoulder. Some patients with this condition are able to recover their function without treatment, while others may require occupational or physical therapy to boost their results.
X-rays can be taken of the shoulders, neck and arms to check for fractures in the bone. MRI is also used to evaluate the brachial plexus. This imaging test creates clear images of dense structures such as bones and tendons, while delivering only a small amount of radiation. The doctor may inject a dye in the spinal nerves in order to improve the appearance of MRI images. The doctor may also order an CT myelogram scan in order to check the vertebrae. This test is particularly useful in finding spinal nerve avulsions.
A physical examination is typically the first step to determine whether or not a child has an injury to the brachial plexus. The provider will compare how the affected side feels, appears and functions with the uninjured. X-rays or electrodiagnostic testing can confirm the diagnosis.
A few children who suffer from injuries to the brachial plexus will recover spontaneously. Others may require physical or occupational therapy. The team of specialists will evaluate those who need therapy, including an orthopaedic therapist, physiotherapist and plastic surgeon.
The team will design an appropriate treatment plan that is best for the patient. AccidentInjuryLawyers could comprise stretching, exercises, position and splinting, or surgery. It is crucial that children suffering from this condition visit a specialist, because it will take some time for the nerves to recover.
A skilled santa-fe birth injury lawyer can help parents receive compensation for their child’s therapy, medical treatment and future expenses. They can collaborate with medical professionals to collect the necessary documentation and file a suit when needed. They will also negotiate with doctors and hospitals to get the maximum amount of compensation for the family. If your child suffers an injury as a result of negligence during the birth or during labor, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Erb's palsy
A physician's negligence during delivery can lead to Erb's Palsy which is characterized by the damage to the nerves that run through the brachial plexus. This can result in weakness or paralysis in the arm, and occasionally the hand. In a lot of cases, the fingers of the affected arm droop downward or be in what is referred to as the "waiter's tip" position, which means that they are bent inwards towards the body. The injury can affect the shoulder, arm and elbow. The symptoms of the condition include difficulties moving the arm or hand, numbness or tingling in the hand, and an inability to bend the elbow or lift the arm away from the body.
In the majority of cases, the problem resolves by itself without treatment. If the condition doesn't improve after physiotherapy, your doctor may recommend surgery. This could include tendon transfers, or surgery to repair muscles. Nerves grow and recover very slowly, so the healing process can take months or even years.
You can bring a lawsuit if 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 claim is valid and give you suggestions on how to proceed. An attorney can assist you to obtain financial compensation if the case is valid.
Families of children suffering from Erb's palsy are faced with high health care costs as well as out-of-pocket expenses. A reputable Erb's Palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement so that your child can receive the treatment they require today and into the future.
Contact a skilled 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 enforce your rights as a legal person, as well as file a medical negligence lawsuit to secure the financial compensation you deserve. A lawyer must prove negligence on the part of the care provider to prevail in the case of a birth injury. This requires a thorough analysis of the facts. That is why it's crucial to select an attorney who has experience with this type of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is when a newborn is deficient in oxygen during pregnancy, delivery or shortly after birth. This condition can affect the brain but also other organs like the lungs, heart and liver. HIE can cause permanent, irreparable damage to a child's long-term cognitive and physical functioning as well as behavioral. It is the leading cause of infant death and permanent disability in the United States.
The severity of HIE is determined by the length of time that the brain was deprived of oxygen. Infants suffering from mild HIE cases may fully recover and not develop any disabilities. However, those with moderate or severe HIE cases are more likely to have lifelong health problems. These can include epilepsy, hearing or vision impairments, as well as cerebral palsy.
HIE can be caused by birth problems like uterine ruptures, cord prolapses, placentas previas, or breech presentations. These risks can be minimized with a C-section, but medical professionals must perform the operation as quickly as possible to avoid cutting off oxygen to the baby's brain. Additionally, the use of the drugs that induce labor Pitocin and Cytotec can cause a dangerous complication known as hyperstimulation, which limits the flow of oxygen to the lungs of the baby.
HIE symptoms can be difficult to detect at first, particularly during the first few days following birth. A baby born with HIE might be floppy, unresponsive to sounds or sights, or they could become very anxious. They might also react more strongly to stimulation. A weak throat and mouth muscle can cause feeding problems. Other symptoms can be the low Apgar score, presence of meconium in the umbilical cord fluid, and abnormal fetal heart rate tracings.
The most popular treatment for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia, which is also called cooling therapy. It involves slowly cooling an infant down to 92 degrees Fahrenheit over a few days, and then slowly warming them. It is important that HIE be detected as quickly as possible, so that the baby can receive this treatment. The cooling process decreases the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing through the brain and decreases the release of toxins.
Asphyxia during birth
Birth asphyxia is when the brain of a newborn does not receive sufficient oxygen at the time of or shortly after birth. This can be caused by a range of causes or circumstances and may be fatal in extreme cases. Birth asphyxia is usually caused by hypoxic-ischemic (HIE), a brain injury that can lead to permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.
HIE can be prevented through timely treatment. This includes therapeutic hypothermia, which decreases the chance of dying or sustaining disability by 62-48 percent. The treatment must be initiated within six hours after birth. It could include all-body cooling, fluid support through a drip and medication to treat seizures or blood pressure.
The most frequent causes of birth asphyxia include hemorrhage, infections, abnormalities of the placenta, uterine dysfunction, and cord complications. Birth asphyxia could also be the result of the negligence of a medical professional and that's why it's crucial to contact an experienced birth injury attorney right away if your child has suffered this kind of trauma.
Birth asphyxia can cause many different symptoms, based on intensity and duration of oxygen deprivation. This could include fatigue and muscle tone issues or breathing problems. In some instances babies may have serious neurological problems, such as seizures or learning disabilities.
A Santa Fe birth injury lawyer will help you determine if your child's condition was the result of a medical error and file an action against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll need an extensive amount of documentation, including medical records, hospital and doctor notes, as well as any other documentation related to your child's care. The more information your attorney has, the easier to prove that there was a mistake and get compensation for your child's injury.
Asphyxia at birth, even though it is prevented, is still the main cause of infant deaths and serious impairments. The condition occurs when there isn't enough oxygen in the brain. It can lead to other complications, such as Erb's palsy and HIE. Our attorneys can help recover the money needed to pay for rehabilitation and other expenses.