Oxygen Deprivation During Birth

Every parent hopes for a smooth, complication-free delivery of his or her child. Unfortunately, according to the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, oxygen deprivation occurs in roughly one in every 1,000 births in the United States. When the supply of oxygen is reduced or suspended, blood is diverted from the brain to the heart and lungs, causing serious complications. Also known as perinatal or neonatal hypoxia, oxygen deprivation during delivery is often avoidable — if doctors take the right actions to prevent or correct problems when needed. If your baby suffered an injury at birth due to a doctor’s, nurse’s, hospital’s or midwife’s negligence, speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer right away.

Studies have associated perinatal hypoxia with:

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Autism
• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
• Preeclampsia
• Brain damage
• Cerebral palsy
• Lowered IQs and reduced language skills
• Decreased cognitive abilities

If the flow of oxygen is suspended for a long enough period, the infant risks death. Oxygen deprivation could be caused by:

• A twisted or compressed umbilical cord
• Awkward positioning in the birth canal
• Umbilical cord wrapped around the neck
• Premature separation of the placenta

If your child’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice, your Chicago cerebral palsy lawyer can work towards getting you a favorable settlement or jury verdict, which can help pay for past and future medical treatment and other expenses relating to the injury.

The skilled legal team at Newman Boyer & Statham Ltd. is experienced in representing children harmed by birth injuries. They can help you receive compensation for your infant’s injury.

Choose birth injury lawyers in Chicago prepared to help

If you require a personal injury lawyer, look no further than The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd. We are a full-service personal injury firm located one block from the Richard J. Daley Center, offering flexible office hours, free initial consultations and a contingency fee-based practice. Home and hospital visits can be arranged. Contact us at 312.443.1998 or online today.

by: David A. Statham