Birth Injury Case Evaluation

Children who suffer from birth injuries that are preventable are faced with astronomical medical expenses, challenging treatments and permanent disabilities. Medical malpractice claims can reduce financial burdens and provide justice.

In order to win a case, attorneys must prove that the hospitals or doctors did not follow accepted standards of care during labor and delivery. This is typically accomplished through a thorough examination of medical records or expert witness testimony.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent motor disability caused by injuries to the embryonic central nervous system that happen in utero, at the time of birth (perinatal) or in the early stages of infanthood. It can affect a broad range of body movements and its severity can range from mild to severe. The condition's symptoms differ with age, however it's not progressive.

Unlike many other conditions, it is not testable. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation can help medical professionals determine if the child's condition is caused by cerebral palsy. This includes a full assessment of mobility and neurologic function.

The tests will assess the child's muscles, posture, balance, reflexes, capacity to move, and other factors that impact a child's movement. A musculoskeletal examination can identify issues like hip dislocation, scoliosis and contractures. Additionally an evaluation of speech and language can reveal a child's stage of intellectual development as well as speech sound production.

Neuroimaging is a kind of imaging that permits doctors to see the brain in more detail, is often used in diagnosing Cerebral Palsy. It is a noninvasive method to assess the extent of brain injury. However, it doesn't permit doctors to predict the impact of this injury on a child's symptoms.

Some children may not be diagnosed with cerebral palsy until they are several years old because symptoms can change. The classification of a disorder according to severity, topographical location and muscle tone can be useful in determining the severity of impairment and influencing treatment.

Physical and occupational therapy are among the most effective treatment options for Cerebral Palsy. These therapies can improve a child’s mobility and reduce the risk of developing joint deformities such as scoliosis. In addition, speech therapy and the use of adaptive equipment can aid in the child's daily activities and enable them to be more social with family members and other. Based on the circumstances that surround the child's health there are a variety of types of financial assistance available. There are also charitable organizations and foundations that can alleviate the burden of paying for treatment and care.

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury can be caused by an injury to the five nerves that originate from the spinal cord in the neck. They transmit signals from the spinal cord to the arm, shoulder and hand. Each side of the body has a brachial-plexus. Some infants can recover without treatment but the majority will benefit from occupational and physical therapy. A smaller percentage of infants may require surgery to get good results.

A baby with an injury to the brachial plexus is diagnosed by their primary care physician according to their medical history and physical examination. A doctor can order special imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or nerve conduction tests, however these tests are less accurate for infants. Doctors can also test the strength and movement of the child's muscles in their arms by performing gentle exercises for range of motion which aids in tracking the development of their muscles over time.

The symptoms of brachial-plexus injuries can vary based on how severe the injury is and which nerves have been affected. The signs include a weak arm muscles, a reduced range of motion and a decrease in sensation in the hand. The symptoms typically affect only one side of the body. However, sometimes both sides may be affected.

The most frequently cited reason is Neonatal Brachial plexus Palsy (NBPP) however, it can be caused by other causes. Brachial plexus injuries are more prevalent in large babies, those who are in a breech birth position, or those who have to be pulled during the birth trauma attorney. This type of injury is also prevalent for athletes who engage in contact sports like football, and from blunt trauma.

NBPP is diagnosed at an early age, typically within six to eight weeks of birth. Most children recover without intervention, but those that are not able to improve by the end of a month should be evaluated by a team who can manage the condition. These teams are typically made up of an orthopedist for children, a physiatrist and a physical therapy.

Erb's Palsy

The brachial plexus (pronounced brake-ee-al), is a grouping of nerves that run from the spinal chord to the shoulder, and then through the arm until the hand. If this nerve group are injured during delivery, it could cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. The most frequent type of this condition is Erb's palsy. It is caused by a significant stretching or tear to the upper brachial nerves during the delivery.

A doctor can identify Erb palsy by conducting physical examination of the baby's hand. The doctor will be looking for a lack of movement in the affected arm, a sluggish wrist, and a deficiency of Moro reflex (the infant's involuntary reaction to a reduction in head support). The health care provider may also order an imaging test or nerve test such as an X ray or an ultrasound, or an electromyogram or study of nerve conduction.

In many cases, Erb's palsy is the result of an inexperienced clinician applying excessive lateral traction to the infant during a forceps birth. This type of traction could be decreased by using a shorter second stage of labor or by having the mother lie on her back for a portion of the delivery. By delivering via C-section, doctors can decrease the chance of injury.

Other types of injuries to the brachial system can occur in addition to Erb's palsy. Klumpke Palsy is the most severe form of this condition, that is characterized by damage to the lower brachial nerves. This kind of injury is usually described as a "waiter's tip" position because the limb hangs down by the side and is rotated medially pronated, flexed and extended at the wrist.

If your child is diagnosed with any of these conditions it is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice attorney immediately. Beth has over 18 years of experience in the birth and labor process and can assist you to determine if the doctor who treated your child was negligent and may have caused these preventable injuries.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Also known as hypoxic ischemic brain damage, happens when a birth defect reduces the oxygen and blood supply to the infant. HIE is a serious brain disorder that can cause permanent brain damage. The effects of HIE can be mild or severe and usually start within a few weeks after birth. HIE is a condition that is part of the larger category of birth-related injuries known as neonatal Encephalopathy.

An infant can develop HIE due to complications during labor and delivery, such as excessive bleeding in the mother's blood vessels as well as a breech birth, a prolonged labor and delivery, or a forceps delivery. It is possible that a baby may have an underlying issue such as low maternal birth injury lawyer weight, which could result in HIE.

To determine if there is HIE in infants, doctors examine the infant's APGAR score and any signs of neurological impairment. A low APGAR score could indicate the need for immediate medical negligence lawyers intervention. Doctors can also use blood tests to measure the amount of acid that is accumulating in the umbilical cord, which could indicate that a baby is suffering from an oxygen deficiency or a decreased flow of blood to the brain.

If a child is believed to be suffering from HIE, doctors will often try to treat it using a procedure known as therapeutic hypothermia. In this method, the child is placed into a cooling blanket, and medication is administered to help them sleep. During the cooling process doctors check the heart rate, breathing state and body temperature, along with brain activity.

After the baby has been fully re-warmed, a magnetic resonance image (MRI) will be performed. MRIs are best for identifying HIE and its injury pattern. The results of an MRI can show the time frame of injury which is useful when trying to determine whether the child's symptoms are due to HIE.

After an HIE diagnosis, babies will need to be monitored closely throughout their lives. They will visit a neurologist and neonatologist, and they might be treated with speech, physical, and occupational therapy in order to manage their symptoms. The aim is to help these children achieve their full potential and make them as healthy as possible.