Experienced Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer
You expected to bring your baby home and enjoy a happy new beginning. Instead, your child may have a birth injury, such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy or brain damage from a lack of oxygen during delivery. These injuries can affect your child’s movement, growth and health for years. If you need a Chicago birth injury lawyer, we are ready to hear your concerns and find out if medical errors during pregnancy, labor or delivery harmed your child.
At Anesi Ozmon, LTD, we know the medical issues involved in birth injury cases and the strain these injuries can place on families. Our attorneys review medical records, investigate possible errors and work with qualified medical professionals. We also prepare cases for trial when needed. Our goal is to seek compensation for your child’s medical care, ongoing treatment and future needs.
How Delivery Errors Cause Erb’s Palsy And Brachial Plexus Injuries
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery. Pulling too hard or using forceps or a vacuum extractor the wrong way can stretch or tear the nerves that control the arm and hand. This damage may cause Erb’s palsy or another brachial plexus injury.
Telling Medical Negligence Apart From Natural Complications
Not every difficult birth means that a doctor or nurse made a mistake. The question is whether the provider gave the level of care that a careful medical professional would give in the same situation. This duty applies to OB/GYNs, nurses, anesthesiologists and hospitals. Warning signs to discuss with an attorney include:
- Failure to respond to changes in fetal heart rate
- Delays in performing an emergency C-section
- Improper or excessive use of forceps or a vacuum extractor
If you notice any of these signs, medical records may help explain what happened.
Illinois Rules And Deadlines That Affect Your Claim
Illinois law requires an affidavit and a written report from a qualified health professional to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. These documents must show that the claim has a reasonable basis.
Adults generally have two years to file a medical malpractice claim. Different deadlines apply to children. A minor’s claim must generally be filed within eight years of the injury and before the child’s 22nd birthday. For birth injuries during labor or delivery, the deadline is generally before the child turns eight, unless a legal disability extends the time.
Fetal monitoring strips, electronic hospital records and other medical data may become harder to obtain over time. We act quickly to help protect this evidence and investigate your child’s injury.
Planning For A Lifetime Of Care
Serious birth injuries may require care for many years. Costs can include home changes, around-the-clock nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and school support. We work with certified life-care planners to estimate these future needs.
Why Families Choose Anesi Ozmon, LTD
Since 1955, the lawyers of Anesi Ozmon, LTD have represented injured people and families across Illinois. Our clients have recovered more than $1 billion. Our attorneys have tried complex medical liability cases before the Circuit Court of Cook County, including cases involving serious birth injuries and neurological harm.
We have the resources to work with pediatric neurologists, obstetric specialists and life-care planners. We can also advance major costs for expert testimony and future-care assessments. We pair personal guidance with trial preparation to challenge hospitals and their insurance defense teams.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Clients may be responsible for case costs and expenses under their fee agreements.
Contact A Chicago Birth Injury Attorney About Your Child’s Future
Our Chicago office is ready to hear your story. Call Anesi Ozmon, LTD, at 312-997-5784 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will review what happened and explain your legal options in plain English.