The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but when a birth injury occurs, it can bring pain, uncertainty, and lasting challenges for families. These cases demand immediate legal attention and the guidance of a compassionate advocate to ensure justice and fair compensation. If you’re in Marshall or the surrounding areas, having an experienced birth injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Birth injury cases are often complex, involving detailed medical evaluations, legal intricacies, and holding medical providers accountable. As experienced birth injury lawyers, we have the expertise to navigate these challenges effectively. Our mission is to fight for your child’s rights, secure the compensation you deserve, and provide unwavering support during this difficult time.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
What Is a Birth Injury? The Causes and Impact
A birth injury refers to physical harm a baby sustains during labor or delivery. While some complications are unavoidable, many birth injuries result from preventable mistakes by medical professionals. These injuries can range from mild, temporary conditions to severe, life-altering disabilities, impacting your child’s development, quality of life, and the future of your family.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries may involve various physical and neurological conditions, including:
- Cerebral Palsy: Caused by brain damage, often due to oxygen deprivation during birth. This condition affects muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills, often resulting in lifelong challenges.
- Erb’s Palsy: Occurs when nerves in the upper arm are damaged, usually due to shoulder dystocia during delivery. Erb’s palsy can cause partial or complete paralysis in the affected arm.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A serious brain injury resulting from lack of oxygen, leading to cognitive and physical impairments.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Often a result of excessive force during delivery, causing nerve damage that limits arm and shoulder movement.
- Fractures and Trauma: Injuries like skull fractures can occur due to improper use of delivery tools or excessive pressure during labor.
Identifying Medical Negligence in Birth Injury Cases
Birth injuries are often avoidable. Medical negligence, such as failure to monitor the baby’s vital signs or improper use of delivery tools, can directly cause these injuries. Our Marshall birth injury lawyers are skilled at identifying negligent actions that lead to injury. Common types of negligence include:
- Inadequate Fetal Monitoring: Failing to monitor fetal heart rate and distress signs can lead to severe complications.
- Delayed C-Section: When a baby shows signs of distress, a timely C-section is critical. Delaying this procedure can increase the risk of brain injuries.
- Improper Tool Use: Misusing tools like forceps and vacuum extractors can cause skull fractures, nerve injuries, or brain trauma.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect medication or dosage during labor can put both mother and baby at risk.
Why You Need a Birth Injury Lawyer in Marshall
A birth injury claim can be complex, involving medical records, expert testimonies, and thorough investigation. Hiring a skilled birth injury lawyer gives you the support needed to navigate the legal process effectively. Our Marshall-based team is dedicated to handling every detail of your case, so you can focus on your family’s well-being. Here’s how we help:
- Comprehensive Legal Support: From collecting evidence to representing you in court, we handle every aspect of your claim.
- Medical Expertise: We work with medical professionals to analyze records and determine if negligence occurred.
- Maximum Compensation: We strive to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, future care costs, and emotional damages.
The Birth Injury Claim Process: What to Expect
If you’re considering a birth injury lawsuit, it’s important to understand the steps involved. We work with families to guide them through every phase, ensuring clarity and support at each stage.
1. Free Initial Consultation
The process begins with a free consultation where we discuss your case details. We review the medical records, birth circumstances, and injury severity to determine if you have a viable claim.
2. Detailed Medical Review
Birth injury claims require in-depth medical analysis to prove negligence. We consult with medical experts to review labor and delivery records, helping us identify errors and pinpoint liability.
3. Filing Your Claim
Once we’ve established the case, we proceed with filing a birth injury claim on your behalf. This formalizes your case against the medical providers responsible for the injury.
4. Settlement Negotiation
Many cases are resolved through settlements. We negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation. However, if the settlement isn’t adequate, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
5. Litigation and Trial (if necessary)
Should the case go to court, our attorneys will advocate for you, presenting the evidence clearly and effectively to demonstrate the negligence involved and the impact on your family.
Types of Compensation Available in Birth Injury Cases
A successful birth injury claim can help families cover the costs associated with the injury, both present and future. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering initial treatment costs, ongoing care, and specialized equipment.
- Therapy and Rehabilitation: Many birth injuries require ongoing therapy to support development and manage symptoms.
- Pain and Suffering: Financial relief for the emotional trauma and hardship caused by the injury.
- Loss of Income: If a parent must leave their job to care for the child, this compensation covers lost wages and other financial burdens.
- Long-Term Care: For severe cases, compensation can address the costs of lifelong care and support for the injured child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Injury Cases
1. How do I know if my child’s injury was preventable?
If you suspect your child’s injury was caused by negligence, our legal team can review the circumstances to identify any preventable factors. We work with medical experts to determine if standards of care were violated.
2. Can I file a claim even if the injury occurred months ago?
Yes, but it’s essential to act quickly. Birth injury claims have a statute of limitations, meaning there’s a limited time to file. Contact our firm to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
3. How long does a birth injury case take?
Each case is unique. While some cases resolve within months through settlements, others may require litigation, extending the process. We work efficiently to reach the best possible outcome as soon as possible.
4. What if I can’t afford legal fees?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you. This allows families to pursue justice without financial stress.
Choosing the Right Birth Injury Lawyer in Marshall
Selecting a skilled and compassionate lawyer is crucial to successfully navigating a birth injury case. Our firm combines legal expertise with a deep commitment to our clients, offering services that include:
- Personalized Attention: Every case is unique, and we provide dedicated support tailored to your specific needs.
- Experience and Knowledge: With a focus on birth injury law, our team knows necessary to handle even the most complex cases.
- Strong Track Record: Our success in securing compensation for families speaks to our commitment and capability.
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
