Child Birth Injury in Chicago, IL

Becoming a parent changes people, in ways big and small. Somehow the responsibility for a smaller life transforms people and they can see a clear difference between who they were, and who they are.

However, if your newborn child receives injury due to medical malpractice or negligence, this can change things drastically. Fractures, paralysis, and even death of the child is not unheard of in Chicago. There could also be complications with the mother’s recovery. If you have experienced a scenario such as this, you may want to contact an experienced Chicago attorney to help fight for your family.

What Causes a Childbirth Injury?

Was a medical professional you trusted negligent and did damage occur as a result? If so, affected parents have a chance of bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation in Chicago, IL.

During any labor and delivery process, timing and action are two crucial elements. Sometimes an infant suffers a birth injury. It can mean that a medical practitioner either made a poor judgment call or failed to act appropriately. If the Chicago medical provider’s actions go against the standard of care, then it may fit the legal definition of negligence.

To prove birth injury, negligence must have a direct connection to the damage. One of the most unfortunate elements of childbirth injury is not discovering the effects right away. Some injuries are discernible immediately after they happen. However, things that affect the brain may not be evident until developmental milestones are not reached.

The University of Chicago Hospital, and Dr, William Meadows, were found guilty of medical malpractice that left a child with permanent brain damage, according to Case Law. The $11 million dollar verdict was awarded as a Cook County jury learned that while a woman was laboring through a difficult pregnancy, and in need of an emergency C-section, the hospital had no operating rooms available to allow for the procedure.

If you or your child has been injured due to medical negligence, you may want to contact an experienced Chicago attorney to help you press your rights.

Beyond this, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in Chicago. One of the following examples may apply to your circumstances.

  • Improper Vacuum Usage

Sometimes a mother has difficulties delivering a baby through the birth canal. Chicago medical professionals may intervene and use a vacuum to assist. This machine is a standard instrument that can help suction the baby down and out of the birth canal. The vacuum attaches to the baby’s head or shoulders. Nurses and doctors are responsible for placing it appropriately. However, sometimes the vacuum is not attached where it should be. This error can cause severe injury to the mother and the infant during childbirth.

  • Improper Use of Forceps

There are other options when a mother is having difficulty delivering her child. For example, the baby can be improperly positioned in the womb.

In this case, attending medical professionals may use forceps to help move a baby through the birthing canal. Appropriate use of forceps reduces oxygen deprivation. This tool also reduces the chances of fetal distress that can result in birth injuries.

The medical professionals that are birthing a child must use extreme care. The improper use of forceps can cause severe injuries to the head. Additionally, this device can also cause nerve damage in the neck or the chest.

  • Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition that occurs when the brain of a baby is not receiving enough oxygen. The most common cause before and during delivery is the umbilical cord becoming tangled around the baby’s neck.

This condition often occurs due to a damaged or infected placenta. Thankfully, most Chicago, Illinois medical professionals can identify hypoxia well in advance. As a result, they can intercede to eliminate the chances of the infant or the mother facing harm.

However, if the professional medical staff does not take action quickly enough, asphyxiation may occur. This can result in causing a child to develop severe physical or mental disabilities. Accordingly, medical staff may be liable for any damages that happened.

  • Cesarean Section Delay

An emergency C-section may be necessary due to the infant’s fetal distress. This medical event occurs when the heartbeat of the infant drops because of the mother’s blood pressure. In addition, this condition can happen when there is a placental abruption or other breathing difficulties.

In truth, there are several reasons why a doctor may perform a C-section. For example, the baby could be in the wrong position or fail to descend into the birth canal. Another qualifying situation is when the mother has labored without dilation.

In these and other circumstances, the doctor may determine whether this procedure needs to happen. It may be the only way to safely birth the baby without further damage. But, the medical staff may wait too long to perform a cesarean. If so, the consequences for mother and child could be quite grave.

What Are Some Other Possible Causes of Childbirth Injury in Chicago?

Other types of medical neglect that could result in injuries to the child or the birth mother include:

  • Failing to perform sufficient prenatal testing
  • Not using labor-inducing drugs timely
  • Failing to diagnose or treat infections, umbilical cord entrapment, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membranes or placenta previa
  • Not addressing changes in the baby’s condition

Perineal Laceration

The Mayo Clinic states that perineal lacerations, also referred to as vaginal tears, generally occur during the birthing process due to the size of the child’s head. When a child has a head that is too large for the vaginal opening, tearing can occur. However, there are also instances when a child has a normal head, but the vagina of the mother does not stretch easily. This can also result in tearing.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks to educate women about the causes and effects of pelvic organ prolapse. This condition can occur when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs become loose after the strain of labor. With the support system loosened, the organs can slip down and create a bulge in the vagina. This is not life threatening, but can be quite painful.

Why Should You Take Action for Your Child Birth Injury?

It is essential that any parent whose child has been diagnosed with a birth injury in Chicago, take action to seek financial compensation. The most practical reason to pursue a childbirth injury lawsuit is to protect your financial future. A child and their mother may have to deal with a lifetime of setbacks and disabilities. The costs for treatment, medical equipment, and medications can overwhelm your budget quickly. As well, the trajectory of your life or your child’s can depend on pursuing civil action.

Chicago residents should be aware that, according to the March of Dimes, Illinois is exactly at the national average in regards to infant mortality. The mortality rate is 5.7 deaths for every 1,000 live births in the state. If you or a loved one has been injured during childbirth, you may want to engage the services of an experienced Chicago attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in Chicago, you should take action. Find a local child birth injury lawyer to navigate the often difficult waters of birth injury lawsuits. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Illinois state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.