Kroot Law LLC Litigation Practice » Medical Malpractice

About Erbs Palsy / Brachial Plexus Injuries

Kroot — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:54:13 +0000

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spine, through shoulder, and into the finger tips. The brachial plexus conducts signals from the spine which cause the arm and hand to move. Depending upon which nerves are injured and how severely they have been injured, the muscles that control the arm [...]

About Birth Injury

Kroot — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:48:51 +0000

The miracle of birth is among the happiest occasions any parent can experience. Although mostly deliveries go smoothly, others do not. When a medical mistake results in a serious birth injury, the consequences can be catastrophic for both the baby and the family.

Birth injuries can occur at any point during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and immediately after delivery. Some injuries will resolve over time, while other will be permanent.

Examples of permanent birth injuries include:

brain damage
cerebral palsy
erbs palsy or brachial plexus injury
fractures
nerve injuries
spinal cord injuries

The various conditions that can lead to birth injuries include:

fetal distress
preeclampsia
hypertension
meconium aspiration
oligohydromnios
maternal infection
pre-term labor
breech delivery
nucal cord
prolapse cord

Medical errors that can cause birth injuries include:

failure to recognize or appreciate fetal distress
failure to order a timely cesarean section
inadequate suctioning of meconium / meconium aspiration syndrome
failure to recognize or treat preeclampsia / hypertension
poor communication amongst the medical team

For most people, the only recourse is to consult a medical malpractice attorney to determine whether the child’s injuries resulted from malpractice. In that instance, the attorney can seek to recover compensation necessary to help ensure the child receives the best possible care for the future. If you believe your child may have sustained a serious birth injury as a result of medical malpractice, contact our Chicago office for a free consultation.

About Fetal Distress

Kroot — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:11:45 +0000

During fetal distress, physicians and other health professionals must respond promptly. If the condition causing fetal distress cannot be eliminated, immediate delivery may be necessary which may include an emergency cesarean section. Profound Consequences Depending on the nature, extent and duration of fetal distress, irreversible brain damage may occur. The degree of brain damage is [...]

Meconium Aspiration – Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Kroot — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:21:49 +0000

Meconium is the baby’s first stool. It consists of material ingested before, during, or after delivery. Often, fetal distress during labor will trigger intestinal contractions which can cause the baby’s sphincter to relax, allowing meconium release into the amniotic fluid. If the baby ingests the meconium to the lungs, it can result [...]

About Brachial Plexus / Erbs Palsy Injuries

Kroot — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:03:09 +0000

A brachial plexus injury ocurs when the network of nerves that control a baby's hand and/or arm is damaged during the delivery process.

How Injury Occurs

When an infant is too large to pass through the mother’s vaginal canal, the baby’s shoulder can become lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone after the head has been delivered. If the doctor elects a vaginal delivery in this instance rather than a c-section, the baby may suffer a brachial plexus injury if physician improperly pulls or twists the baby’s head which can stretch, tear or otherwise the nerves.

When a baby suffers a brachial plexus injury, qualified pediatric neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, and physical occupational therapists can help combat the effects this injury. Unfortunately, this level of care often requires a tremendous amount of time, money, and effort. If you believe your child may have suffered a brachial plexus injury or has Erbs Palsy because of medical malpractice, please contact our Chicago office for a free consultation.