birth injury attorney fort collins are a complex. The plaintiff must prove that a physician did not provide reasonable medical care and caused injury.
Expert witnesses are often sought to establish that the doctor's treatment was below the accepted standards for their specialty. They must also establish that the child was harmed in some way.
Injury to the Brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the arm and shoulder. A brachial injury can cause pain or weakness, or even loss of motion in the arm, hand, and shoulder. Certain patients are able to recover their function without treatment. Others will require physical or occupational therapy.
X-rays can be taken from the neck, shoulders and arms to check for fractures in the bone. MRI is also frequently used to determine the brachial plexus. This imaging test creates clear images of dense structures like bones, with a small amount of radiation. The technician might inject a color into the spinal cord in order to enhance the MRI images. The doctor will also likely order a computed tomography (CT) myelogram scan to check the vertebrae. This test is particularly useful in detecting spinal nerve avulsion injuries.
A physical examination is the initial step in determining whether or not your child is suffering from an injury to the brachial plexus. The doctor will assess how the affected side is feeling, looks and functions with the uninjured. Electrodiagnostic tests or X-rays can confirm the diagnosis.
Certain children suffering from brachial-plexus injuries heal on their own, however certain children require occupational or physical therapy. The team of specialists will assess those who require therapy including a physiotherapist, an orthopaedic and plastic surgeon.
The team will design an appropriate treatment plan that is best for the patient. The treatment plan may include stretches, exercises and positioning, splinting, or surgery. It's important that children with this condition consult a doctor for treatment, as it takes some time for nerves to heal.
A skilled santa-fe birth injury lawyer can assist parents get compensation for their child's therapy, medical care, and future expenses. They can collaborate with medical professionals to gather the necessary documentation and file a lawsuit if appropriate. They can also work with doctors and hospitals to get the maximum amount of compensation for the family. If your child suffers an injury due to negligence during labor or delivery, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Erb's Palsy
Erb's Palsy is often caused by a physician's negligence in the delivery room. It is defined as a result of damage to the upper brachial nerves. This can cause weakness or paralysis of the arm and sometimes also the hand. In many instances the fingers of the affected arm droop downward or be in what is referred to as the "waiter's tip" position, meaning that they are bent toward the body. The injury affects the shoulder, arm and elbow. Symptoms of the condition include difficulties moving the arm or hand as well as tingling or numbness in the hand, and an inability to bend the elbow or lift the arm away from the body.
In the majority of instances, the problem will resolve on its own without treatment. If it doesn't improve with physical therapy, your doctor might recommend surgery. This could involve nerve graft surgery, tendon transfers, or muscle repair surgery. The recovery time could be months or even years because nerves grow and heal slowly.
You may bring a lawsuit if medical team's negligence caused your child's Erb palsy. An experienced attorney for Erb's Palsy can help you determine whether your case is meritorious and advise you on the next steps to take. If the case is meritorious an attorney can help to get financial compensation for your child's injury.
Children with Erb's Palsy have to pay for expensive medical costs and out-of-pocket expenses. A qualified Erb’s palsy attorney can assist you in negotiating an equitable settlement to ensure your children get the care and support they need now and in the future.
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, contact an experienced santa fe birth injury lawyer. A knowledgeable legal professional can help you understand your rights under the law and file a medical malpractice lawsuit to get the financial compensation you're entitled to. To win a birth injury lawsuit the lawyer must establish that the condition of your child was caused by the care provider's negligence. This requires a thorough investigation, which is why you should choose an attorney who has experience in this type of case.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE occurs when an infant is deprived of oxygen during pregnancy, birth or right after birth. The brain is affected by this condition and can cause problems to other organs like the lungs, the heart and liver. HIE can result in lasting, serious damage that impacts the physical, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. It is one of the leading causes of infant mortality and permanent disability in the United States.
The severity of a case HIE depends on the length of time the brain was deprived of oxygen. Infants with mild cases of HIE can recover completely and develop no disabilities and those suffering from moderate or severe cases are more likely to experience permanent health issues. These problems may include epilepsy, hearing or vision impairments, and cerebral palsy.
HIE is often caused by complications during a birth, including uterine rupture or cord prolapse, placenta previa or the breech presentation. These risks can be minimized by a C-section procedure, however medical experts must perform the procedure as fast as they can 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 restricts the flow of oxygen to the baby's lungs.
The signs of HIE can be difficult to identify, particularly in the initial hours following birth. A baby with HIE may be floppy and unresponsive to sounds or sights, or they could become stressed and react more strongly to stimulation than a typical newborn. They may also experience feeding problems due to weak muscles in their mouth and throat. Other symptoms can be an abnormally low Apgar score, presence of meconium in the umbilical cord's fluid and abnormal fetal heart rate tracings.
The most popular treatment for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia also known as cooling therapy. This involves gradually cooling a newborn to around 92 degrees Fahrenheit over several days, and then slowly warming them. It is crucial that HIE is identified as soon as possible to allow the baby to receive this treatment. The cooling process reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood in the brain and decreases the release of toxins.
Birth asphyxia
Birth asphyxia happens when a baby isn't getting enough oxygen to their brain at or close to birth. This can be caused by a variety of causes or circumstances and may be fatal in severe cases. Most often the result of birth asphyxia is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) which is a type of brain damage that can lead to long-term issues like cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
HIE can be prevented with timely treatment. This includes therapeutic hypothermia which reduces the risk of death or serious disability by 62-48%. The therapy should begin within six hours following the birth. It could include all-body cooling, support for fluids via drips, and medications to treat blood pressure or seizures.
Hemorrhage, infection and abnormalities in the placenta are the most typical causes of asphyxia in the birth. Birth asphyxia may also be due to inattention by a medical professional and that's why it's important to contact an experienced birth injury lawyer immediately if your child has suffered this kind of trauma.
Birth asphyxia can cause many symptoms, based on the severity of oxygen deprivation and the duration. These can include fatigue or muscle tone that is weak, or difficulty breathing. In some instances babies may have serious neurological issues, such as seizures or learning disabilities.
A Santa Fe birth injury lawyer will help you determine if your child's illness was caused by an error in medicine and pursue a claim against the negligent healthcare provider. You'll need to gather many documents, including medical documents, hospital and doctor notes, and any other documents relevant to your child's medical care. The more information your attorney has, the easier to prove that there was a mistake and obtain compensation for the injury your child sustained.
Although it is prevented, birth asphyxia still a leading cause of infant deaths as well as serious impairments. This condition is caused when there isn't enough oxygen in the brain. It can cause other complications, such as Erb's palsy and HIE. Our lawyers can help you recover the money needed to pay for rehabilitation services and other costs.