Birth Injury Case Evaluation
Children with birth injuries that could be prevented face staggering medical bills, difficult therapies and permanent disabilities. Making medical providers accountable through medical malpractice claims could aid in easing the financial burdens and ensure justice.
To be successful lawyers must show that doctors or hospitals did not adhere to accepted standards of care in labor and delivery. This is typically accomplished through a thorough review of medical records or expert witness testimony.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy, also known as cerebral palsy, is a permanent impairment caused by an injury to the central nervous system. This can occur during pregnancy (perinatal) or during early childhood. It can affect a broad range body movements, and its intensity can be mild to severe. The symptoms may vary according to age, however it is not a progressive condition.
In contrast to other conditions, it is not testable. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation can help medical professionals determine if a child's condition stems from cerebral palsy. This includes a full neurologic and mobility evaluation.
cerebral palsy lawyer will examine the child's muscle tone and balance and also their reflexes and ability to move. A musculoskeletal examination can identify issues such as hip dislocation, scoliosis, and contractures. A speech and language test will also show the child's intellectual development and their ability to make speech sounds.
Neuroimaging, a type of imaging that allows doctors to view the brain in more detail, is often used in diagnosing Cerebral Palsy. This is a noninvasive way to determine the severity of brain injury. However, it doesn't allow doctors to predict the impact of this injury on a child's symptoms.
Children may not be diagnosed with cerebral palsy until several years old because symptoms can vary. The classification of a condition in terms of severity, topographical location, and muscle tone could be helpful in determining a child's level of impairment and the impact it has on treatment.
Physical and occupational therapy are the most effective treatment options for Cerebral Palsy. These therapies can increase a child’s mobility and reduce their chance of developing joint deformities like scoliosis. Speech therapy and the use of adaptive equipment can aid in the child's daily activities and allow them to interact more fully with family members and others. There are several financial aid options available depending on the circumstances surrounding a child's condition. This includes charities and foundations that can alleviate the burden of paying for a child's treatment and care.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
A brachial-plexus injury happens when the five nerves which originate from the neck spine to the spine are injured. These nerves transmit signals from the spine to the shoulder, hand and arm. There is a brachial plexus on both sides of the body. Some infants suffering from brachial plexus injuries will heal without treatment, but the majority will benefit from occupational and physical therapy. A smaller group of infants may require surgery to achieve satisfactory results.
A doctor can diagnose a baby with brachial plexus injuries based on the medical history and physical examination. Doctors can order specific imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or nerve conduction tests, however these tests are less reliable for babies. Doctors can test the strength and range of motion of a child's arms by performing gentle exercises to increase range of motion. This helps them track the recovery over time.
The symptoms of a brachial strain can differ based on the extent of the injury as well as which nerves are affected. The signs include a weak arm muscles, a reduced range of motion and decreased sensation in the hand. The symptoms usually affect one side of the body, but often both sides are equally affected.
The most common cause is Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy (NBPP) however, it could also be caused by other causes. Brachial plexus injuries are more frequent in babies who are large, who are born in a breech position, or who have to be pulled during the birth. This type of injury can be seen in athletes who participate in contact sports such as football and blunt trauma.
NBPP is a condition that can be diagnosed early on, usually within six weeks of the birth. Most children recover without intervention, but those who are not able to improve by the end of the end of the month should be examined by a team of professionals who can manage the disorder. The team typically consists of a pediatric orthopedic surgeon as well as a physiatrist and physical therapy.
Erb's Palsy
The brachial plexus (pronounced brake-ee-al), is a grouping of nerves running from the spinal chord to the shoulder, and through the arm until the hand. If this nerve system becomes damaged during delivery, it can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. The most frequent type of this injury is called Erb's palsy. It is caused by significant stretching or tear to the upper brachial nerves in the delivery.
A physician can diagnose Erb's Palsy by conducting an examination of the infant's arm. The doctor will look for a lack in movement in the affected hand or wrist, a limping wrist and a lack in Moro reflexes (the infant's involuntary reaction to a loss of head support). The health care professional could also order an imaging or nerve test such as an X-ray, an electromyogram or ultrasound or study of nerve conduction.
In many cases, Erb's paralysis is a result of an inexperienced clinician applying too much lateral traction to the baby during a forceps delivery. This type of traction may be reduced by having the second phase of labor be shorter or by placing the mother on her back for part of the delivery. By delivering via C-section, doctors can lower the chance of injury.
Many other types of brachial plexus injuries may occur in addition to Erb's palsy. Klumpke Palsy is the more severe type of this condition, which causes damage to the lower brachial nerves. This kind of injury could be described as "waiter's tips" because the limb is held by the side, rotated medially and pronated. It is also flexed, extended and extended at the wrist.
It is important that you seek out a medical malpractice lawyer immediately in the event that your child is diagnosed with any of these issues. Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery and can assist in determining whether your child's doctor has committed a mistake that could have resulted in these preventable injuries.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs when an issue during birth hinders blood flow and oxygen to the baby. HIE is a serious disorder that can cause permanent, severe brain damage. The effects of HIE can vary from mild to severe, and usually start within a few days after birth. HIE is one of many conditions that belong to the larger category of birth-related injuries, known as neonatal encephalopathy (NE).
An infant can develop HIE due to complications during labor and delivery, including excessive bleeding in the mother's blood vessels, a breech birth, an extended labor and delivery or forceps delivery. It's possible that a baby may have an underlying issue like low birth weight that could lead to HIE.
To diagnose HIE in infants, doctors take a look at the infant's APGAR scores and any signs of neurological impairment. A low APGAR can be a sign that you need immediate medical attention. Doctors can also conduct blood tests to measure the level of acid in the umbilical cord which can indicate that a baby has suffered from an oxygen shortage or decreased blood flow to the brain.
If a doctor suspects that the child is suffering from HIE and suspects that they have it, they usually utilize a treatment known as therapeutic hypothermia to combat the condition. During this treatment the child is placed in a cool blanket and given medicine to aid in getting sleep. During the cooling process, doctors monitor the infant's heart rate as well as body temperature, breathing and brain activity.
Once a baby is fully re-warmed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be performed. MRIs are the best method to identify HIE and its specific injury pattern. The results of an MRI can show the time frame of injury which is useful in determining if the child's symptoms are caused by HIE.
After a HIE diagnosis, babies will need to be closely monitored throughout their lives. They will see a neuroologist and neonatologist, and they may receive physical, speech, or occupational therapy in order to manage their symptoms. The goal is to assist these children realize their full potential, and to make them as healthy as they can.