In America, birth is a relatively safe process for both mothers and babies when excellent medical care is provided. Sadly, however, poor outcomes still sometimes occur.
According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 53,700 cases of severe birth complications happen each year out of more than four million births. These complications can range from minor to severe in nature, and they may resolve over time or they may be life-long. In some cases, it may be several years until the full extent of a birth injury is known.
Regardless of how a birth injury occurs or how severe it is, you may want to contact a practiced injury attorney before pursuing a civil suit. If you or your child has experienced a birth injury, a Wheaton birth injury lawyer may be able to help in the recovery of damages.
What is a Birth Injury?
When complications occur during pregnancy and childbirth, a birth injury may result. Most birth injuries are caused by the physical pressure of coming through the birth canal. Babies who are large—usually over 11 pounds—or those who require the assistance of forceps or a vacuum at delivery are more prone to birth injuries.
Birth injuries can include nerve damage, broken bones, bruising, paralysis of the face or limbs that can be permanent or temporary, swelling, bleeding around the brain, and brain injuries due to perinatal asphyxia (separation of the placenta from the uterus prior to delivery), as well as other complications. A Wheaton birth injury lawyer could help take stock of any such consequences of doctor negligence during birth and account for them in a settlement demand.
Deadline to File after a Birth Injury
The majority of personal injury cases in Illinois have a deadline, or statute of limitations, to file of two years after the date that the injury occurred. However, because the severity and complications of a birth injury may not be known until several years later, birth injury cases have more time to be filed.
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-212, Illinois victims of birth injuries and their parents or guardians filing on their behalf have a deadline of eight years to file a lawsuit. A Wheaton birth injury lawyer in Wheaton could work with victims and their families to determine the date by which their lawsuit must be filed.
Let a Wheaton Birth Injury Attorney Fight for You
While a birth injury mainly affects the infant, others can be significantly impacted as well. A birth injury can change the dynamics of your entire family, causing emotional, financial, and relational strain for every member.
By hiring a compassionate and knowledgeable Wheaton birth injury lawyer at our firm, you could have a dedicated ally to help you seek compensation on behalf of you and your child. Damages sought from a personal injury lawsuit could help pay for medical bills and assist you in living as normal of a life as possible.
No one should have to endure the lasting effects of a birth injury. However, you can take comfort in the fact that a seasoned local lawyer could be right by your side standing up for your rights. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.