Birth injuries, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, can have catastrophic consequences for the babies, impacting their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. At Wagner Reese, our Champaign birth injury attorneys are committed to advocating for families affected by HIE, cerebral palsy, or infant death to recover the most significant possible damages.
The formidable record and reputation of our Champaign personal injury lawyers are known to insurance companies. For 20 consecutive years, our founding attorney, Stephen Wagner, has been recognized as an “Indiana Super Lawyer,” a distinction awarded to only the top 5% of attorneys in the state. Our co-founding attorney, Jason Reese, has consistently ranked among Indiana’s Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers by the Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers Association.
Key Causes of Baby Death Due to Birth Injury in Champaign
In the experience of our Champaign medical malpractice attorneys, the most common causes of baby death due to medical negligence include:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This condition occurs when the baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen during labor or delivery, leading to severe brain damage and potentially death. HIE can result from complications such as umbilical cord problems, maternal infection, or inadequate monitoring during labor.
- Birth Trauma: Physical injuries during delivery, such as fractures or nerve damage, can sometimes lead to severe complications that may ultimately result in death. Excessive force during delivery, especially with forceps or vacuum extraction, can contribute to these injuries.
- Delayed or Inadequate Response to Birth Complications: If medical professionals fail to respond promptly to signs of distress during labor, such as fetal heart rate abnormalities, it can result in preventable injuries or death. Quick decision-making is vital in managing complications effectively.
- Failure to Diagnose or Treat Maternal Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as Group B Streptococcus or chorioamnionitis, can severely impact the health of the baby and may lead to death if not appropriately treated. Proper prenatal care and monitoring are essential to mitigate these risks.
- Failure to Diagnose or Treat Maternal Health Issues: Conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia in the mother can pose serious risks during pregnancy and labor, affecting the baby’s health and potentially leading to death.
How Our Champaign Birth Injury Lawyers Will Prove Medical Negligence Led to Your Baby’s Cerebral Palsy
Delay in Performing C-Section
Timely cesarean sections in certain circumstances are critical because they can prevent prolonged fetal distress and reduce the likelihood of brain injury. Quick action in emergencies can save lives and mitigate severe health outcomes for the baby.
To establish liability for a delay in performing a C-section, our Champaign birth injury law firm will gather compelling evidence. We will demonstrate that the medical team failed to act swiftly when there were clear indications of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rates or signs of HIE. We will collaborate with obstetricians and medical experts to show that a timely C-section would have reduced the risk of brain injury and subsequent conditions like cerebral palsy.
Inadequate Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
Proper fetal heart rate monitoring is vital for detecting signs of distress early on, allowing for timely intervention. Regular monitoring can help ensure the baby’s well-being and decrease the risk of complications associated with birth injuries.
Our legal team at Wagner Reese will scrutinize the use of monitoring equipment and the medical staff’s response to any abnormalities detected. We will collect data from fetal heart rate tracings, medical charts, and staff testimonies to illustrate that proper monitoring protocols were not followed. Expert witnesses, including neonatologists, will help us explain how poor monitoring contributed to the failure to identify HIE.
Failure to Perform Hypothermia Therapy
If hypothermia therapy, a critical medical intervention for babies diagnosed with HIE, was not administered within the stipulated time, our attorneys will find evidence to show that this omission constitutes medical negligence.
We will review medical guidelines regarding the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia and collect expert testimony on its effectiveness in reducing brain damage. We will use expert testimony to demonstrate that the lack of this therapy worsened your baby’s HIE injury, ultimately contributing to cerebral palsy.
Get Our Proven Birth Injury Lawyers in Champaign on Your Side
When the stakes are the highest, you need a team you can trust to fight for your family’s future. With over 25 years of experience and more than $300 million recovered for our clients, our dedicated birth injury attorneys at Wagner Reese are prepared to provide you with the robust support and aggressive representation necessary to maximize your settlement or jury award.
We understand the challenges you face and are committed to advocating for your rights and the well-being of your child. Don’t go through this challenging journey alone—reach out to us to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice and compensation for your child. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 991-4892 or contact us online.
