Orland Park Infant Hypoxia Injury Lawyers

Attorneys for Birth Injuries Involving Lack of Oxygen in Orland Park, Illinois

Injuries affecting children during childbirth can be very serious, putting the child's life at risk and potentially leading to developmental disorders and other complications. Lack of oxygen is a leading factor in many birth injuries, and it can result in lifelong medical issues. Perinatal hypoxia, which is a reduction in oxygen to the child's brain and other organs during childbirth, can lead to cerebral palsy or other medical conditions. In fact, perinatal hypoxia and perinatal asphyxia combine to account for nearly one-third of all neonatal deaths in the U.S.

During labor and delivery, medical staff should always take steps to prevent hypoxia, and failure to do so may be considered medical negligence. When a lack of oxygen has caused a child to suffer harm, a family may take steps to obtain compensation that will address the ways they have been affected. At Schwartz Injury Law, our birth injury attorneys work with families to determine the reasons for oxygen-related injuries and address negligence by doctors or nurses. We will uncover any forms of negligence that occurred, and we will work to hold providers or facilities responsible for harm a child has suffered due to the failure to provide proper care.

What Causes Hypoxia?

Children may experience asphyxia during birth, which can lead to brain damage if a child's oxygen supply is not restored quickly. Potential forms of medical negligence that can cause hypoxia and related injuries include:

• A prolapsed or pinched umbilical cord, which may cut off the flow of oxygen from the mother's body to the child during labor and delivery. If umbilical cord issues are not handled quickly and properly, brain injuries and other forms of harm to the child can occur.
• Insufficient heart rate monitoring, which can cause medical staff to miss signs of fetal distress. Strong contractions or other issues during labor can place stress on the child's body, limiting their ability to receive enough oxygen. In some cases, an emergency C-section may need to be performed, and if hospital personnel delay in delivering the child, irreversible harm may occur due to oxygen deprivation.
• Failure to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a child who stops breathing. Immediate action must be taken to prevent harm due to a lack of oxygen, and if the right treatments are not provided within the right timeframes, a child may suffer serious injuries that could lead to life-long medical issues.

To identify medical errors that contributed to injuries suffered by a child due to hypoxia, the attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law will perform a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injury. We will work to ensure that a family can secure compensation from those who were responsible. We have achieved victories in multiple types of cases involving birth injuries and other forms of medical malpractice. Through our efforts, our clients have received millions of dollars in compensation to ensure that they will be able to provide for their children's needs.

Medical Problems Caused by Hypoxia

Perinatal hypoxia can damage the brain in many ways, leading to permanent impairments. In some cases, a lack of oxygen can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), also known as intrapartum asphyxia, which is a brain injury that can cause a chain reaction as cells die and release toxins that damage other cells. Severe forms of brain damage can result in developmental and cognitive delays. Children with cerebral palsy or other developmental disorders may experience difficulties as they grow and develop, and in many cases, their impairments lead to permanent disabilities that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

The team at Schwartz Injury Law can provide representation for families who have been affected by hypoxia, brain injuries, and other types of birth injuries. We work to help families recover compensation that will address both short-term and long-term expenses, including:

• Hospital and doctor visits to provide ongoing treatment for a child's condition
• Medications that may be required to manage pain, relax muscles, or address neurological disorders or other conditions
• Ongoing therapy that may be needed, including physical therapy to help a child gain mobility and occupational therapy to ensure that they will be able to complete daily tasks
• Additions to a family's home to accommodate a disability, such as ramps or handrails
• Special education to ensure that a child will be able to attend school and receive an education
• Psychological therapy and family counseling to help address the ongoing impact of a child's developmental disorder
• Wages a parent will be unable to earn because they will be providing full-time care for their child

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Birth Injury Attorneys for Hypoxia

While a birth injury may have immediate effects, its true cost will only just begin to become known after a family leaves the hospital. Financial expenses related to a birth injury can continue to affect a family for years to come, and other concerns may have a long-lasting or permanent impact on both the child and their parents. When a child's injuries were caused by medical errors, parents will need to understand how to obtain financial compensation so that they can continue to meet their family's needs. Schwartz Injury Law is ready to fight to help families secure the compensation they deserve in these situations. Contact our Orland Park infant hypoxia lawyers at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.