Birth injuries can have a significant emotional and physical impact on a child and their family, and The Birth Injury Lawyers Group is aware of this. If your child has suffered birth asphyxia, Chicago lawyers from our firm will stand up for your rights and pursue the just compensation you are owed.
Our team of experienced Chicago birth injury lawyers is committed to giving you the individualized attention and legal counsel you require during this trying time. We have a thorough understanding of the complications involved in these situations.
We are prepared to fight for your family’s rights and support you as you proceed through the court system because of our in-depth familiarity with Illinois law and successful track record. We offer a free first-time consultation and charge on a contingency fee basis.
The Long-Term Effects of Birth Asphyxia in Infants
An infant experiences birth asphyxia, often referred to as perinatal asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), when there is a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. There are various forms of asphyxiation, and symptoms may vary.
Unfortunately, birth asphyxia can have both immediate and lasting health effects. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study, somewhere between 15 and 20% of newborns who suffer from this birth trauma pass away. Of the survivors, 25% end up suffering from permanent neurological issues.
The health and development of the child may be impacted in the long run, causing permanent disabilities or developmental disorders such as:
Neurological Damage
Birth asphyxia can result in permanent brain damage, which can cause long-term deficits such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and learning difficulties. The motor skills, cognitive ability, speech and language development, and general quality of life of the child can all be impacted by this birth trauma.
Behavioral Challenges
Children who have suffered from birth asphyxia may be more likely to face behavioral and emotional difficulties. They may display impulsivity, issues with emotional regulation, signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a higher risk of behavioral disorders.
Epilepsy
Children who have had birth asphyxia may be more susceptible to developing epilepsy and seizures. These diseases may necessitate continuing medical therapy since they can cause recurrent seizures.
Sensory Impairments
Some newborns who had asphyxia at birth may experience sensory deficits, such as vision or hearing loss. These disabilities may necessitate particular interventions and assistance since they may have a substantial influence on their overall development.
Speech Disorders
Birth asphyxia can cause speech and language impairments, such as issues with articulation, expressive language, and receptive language abilities. These difficulties may impair the child’s capacity for successful communication and may call for speech therapy or other measures.
It’s crucial to remember that the long-term effects of birth asphyxia might differ based on a number of variables, including the severity of the original injury, the accessibility and efficacy of medical interventions, and the resilience and responsiveness to therapy of the particular kid.
In order to maximize a child’s potential and enhance their quality of life, early detection, intervention, and continued support are essential.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Seeking Compensation for Medical Malpractice
There are some things that you should know before seeking compensatory damages for birth asphyxia. First, you need to know that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to sue for damages.
In general, 735 ILCS 5/13-212 gives Illinois residents only two years to pursue a medical malpractice case, starting from the day the injury was discovered. However, when these cases involve minors, they often have a different statutory deadline. Your birth asphyxia lawyer in Chigaco can help you determine how the statute of limitations applies in your case.
When you do decide to pursue financial compensation, know that there are multiple types of damages that may amount to millions of dollars. Possible awards include:
- Medical bills
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of income
- Damages for emotional pain
- Modifications needed for home care
- In-home health care professional care
- Ongoing treatment costs
- Wrongful death damages
There are a multitude of economic and non-economic damages that you may qualify for if a medical mistake resulted in your child suffering this type of birth injury. Filing a birth injury claim with an experienced attorney won’t undo your circumstances, but it will help provide a life full of resources for your baby and your family.
Chicago Birth Asphyxia Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Why You May Want to Hire a Lawyer for Your Birth Asphyxia Case
If you hire a Chicago birth asphyxia lawyer from our law firm, they will handle every part of your case for you and fight for the best possible legal outcome. A lawyer will:
File Your Case
When you hire a lawyer, you should not have to worry about the statute of limitations running out. Your attorney will quickly file your case and make sure that you have the chance to pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Calculate Fair Compensation
Your lawyer will also take all of your experiences into account and determine what kind of compensation would be fair. Then your lawyer will fight to ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve.
Handle All Communications
You do not need to worry about talking to the other parties involved in your case. Your lawyer will be in direct contact with the hospital and the insurance company on your behalf and keep you updated on any progress, including settlement offers.
Identify the Liable Parties
Your attorney will show who is liable and hold them responsible. If members of your care team were negligent and that negligence caused you harm, they should be held responsible.
Gather Evidence
Your lawyer will gather evidence showing that the other parties caused you and your family harm as a result of their actions or inactions. They could use testimony from medical experts, medical records, and any other type of evidence that helps you in your pursuit of compensation.
Make Your Case
Your birth injury lawyer will make your case and show that you and your family should be compensated for your experiences. If a settlement is unreachable, your lawyer will make your case in court if needed.
Act as Your Advocate
At every turn, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf and fight for the best legal outcome for you and your family.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
In Preparation for Your Birth Injury Litigation Process
Medical providers are required to uphold a certain duty of care toward those with whom they have a doctor-patient relationship. The entire birthing process is comprised of critical moments where acceptable standards need to be applied at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Birth asphyxia has risk factors that competent doctors can take precautions to avoid during the birthing process.
When that doctor-patient obligation is breached, and an injured baby is the result, filing a medical malpractice claim will include a thorough investigation of the birth-related injury and the history of the medical professional. It is a long and meticulous litigation process that can be emotionally straining but is capable of providing closure and financial security to victims.
This is not a journey to take on alone. We provide compassionate legal counsel and fight tirelessly to establish liability and win compensatory damages that will take care of current and future medical expenses for your child.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Experience Compassionate Legal Counsel for You Child’s Birth Asphyxia Birth Injury Case
If you believe that you and your child have suffered harm due to the negligence of others, use the contact form to get connected with the Chicago birth asphyxia lawyers at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. Our birth injury attorneys are dedicated advocates for families like yours that have suffered at the hands of neglectful medical care.
We help families get justice through monetary compensation and hold medical professionals accountable for the preventable mistakes they make that will impact their lives forever. Learn the value of your birth injury lawsuit and get comprehensive support from a top-rated, compassionate legal team today.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."