BIRTH INJURIES: Your Questions Answered
The day your child is born can be filled with so much anticipation and excitement. But when the birthing process does not go as expected the situation can become very stressful. As parents, we put our trust and our lives in the hands of medical professionals under the assumption that they will act carefully and responsibly, Unfortunately, when medical professionals perform their duties negligently, patients can suffer from serious consequences.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (“CP”) is often caused by mismanagement and problems during pregnancy or childbirth. It is the most common developmental disability among children in the United States. There are several causes of CP, the most common of which is lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during childbirth.
If your child suffers from CP, an experienced legal team can assess whether your family has a claim for compensation.
Erb’s Palsy/ Brachioplexus Injury
Erb’s palsy is a common result of brachial plexus birth injuries. It affects the shoulder, arm, and hand, and it is preventable. In some cases Erb’s palsy can be improved with medical treatment; others will result in a lifetime disability.
The brachial plexus is a nerve bundle located between the neck and the shoulder. These nerves can be damaged during birth by pushing or pulling on the baby when the shoulder is wedged behind the mother’s pubic bone. This is a condition called shoulder dystocia. Erb’s palsy is just one of several types of harm which can result from brachial plexus injuries.
Kernicterus (Hyperbilirubinemia)
High levels of unbound bilirubin in a newborn’s blood can cause a condition know as kernicterus, which can cause cerebral palsy. Kernicterus is a preventable injury with devastating results including spasticity and movement disorders, delays in development and growth, hearing loss, impairment of eye movements, and brain injury.
How Do I Determine if I Have a Claim?
We offer a free consultation and will pay for the cost of obtaining your medical records and expert reviews, if necessary. We receive reimbursement for these costs and a fee for our work only if your claim is paid. If there is no recovery for you, then you do not owe us anything.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?
Do not wait to investigate your claim because there are certain limitations on how long you can wait to file. If you or someone you know has a birth injury case that is due to the possible negligence by a medical professional, please call Burg Simpson to schedule a free consultation at 303 792 5595
