Handling Birth Injuries That Result From Preterm Delivery
The time before a baby's birth is an exciting time for parents. They often wish the baby to be born sooner rather than later. However, preterm deliveries are not always handled in the correct way by doctors and hospital staff. At the Alton, Illinois, law firm of John J. Hopkins & Associates, our attorneys are aggressive advocates for parents whose children have been injured by negligently handled preterm deliveries, or a doctor's failure to perform a preterm delivery. We have more than 30 years of experience handling birth injury and medical malpractice cases across Illinois. Using this experience, we can thoroughly assess your case and determine the best way in which to pursue a resolution.
There are many issues that are related to preterm deliveries, or the failure to perform a preterm delivery if a fetus is in distress. Below are some of the more common situations that are related to preterm deliveries.
Umbilical Cord Issues
A common condition that may result in a preterm delivery when it has been discovered is when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the infant's neck, knotted or tangled somehow. Your doctor should be skilled enough to expertly handle this condition while preserving the child's airway and resolving the situation with minimal struggle. However, in cases where malpractice has occurred, a doctor may not be monitoring the situation properly and may not take steps to deliver the child. It is in these cases that hypoxia may occur in the child. The child's airway may be cut off or the blood flow to the brain may be stopped due to cord compression.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia, also known as oxygen deprivation, can be caused by compression of the umbilical cord as the result of shoulder dystocia or meconium aspiration. This lack of oxygen to the brain can often result in children with developmental delays and physical impairments that impede their ability to function independently. Also, a traumatic brain injury in a child can cause paralysis and require the child to have constant medical attention for the rest of his or her life.
Premature Babies
Premature babies, or preemies, often have a variety of health concerns that must be addressed due to their early arrival in the world. Their lungs may not be fully developed, along with other developmental issues. A doctor should be able to identify these issues and see that they are properly treated. However, if this is not done, the child may be left with permanent injuries.
Get in Touch With Our Birth Injury Firm
Contact us at the law firm of John J. Hopkins & Associates today. Call to schedule a free initial consultation at 618-307-4053 or toll free at 888-779-6064. All cases are taken on a contingency basis. A lawyer at our office can help you understand your rights and options.
