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Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL

Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL

As a spinal cord birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Florida, we know that parents of a child who suffered from a birth injury have suspicions that something went wrong between the labor and delivery process. Whether this suspicion stems from a gut instinct or obvious signs, there is often a moment in which at least one of the parents vocalizes their concerns. For some parents, this can take a matter of hours or days, others may wait to do so. However, as a birth injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL clients trust might advise, as soon as you suspect something isn’t right, whether it’s based on gut instinct or strong evidence, you should call a lawyer.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Once you believe a birth injury has occurred, your Fort Lauderdale FL spinal cord birth injury lawyer might tell you to start logging all of the symptoms exhibited by the child. The symptoms can vary and range from being noticeable to those that are considerably subtle. Examples of symptoms that could indicate a problem, include but are certainly not limited to:

  • Chronic crying
  • Lack of crying
  • Writhing movements
  • Seizures
  • Weakness

Another common symptom is when the child is not meeting their milestones. In general from birth up to three years of age, there are significant milestones all children should go through. For example, crawling, feeding themself, walking, learning how to go to the bathroom, responding to sounds or objects, talking, and so forth. If your child is not reaching these milestones, please talk with your doctor and call a Fort Lauderdale FL spinal cord birth injury lawyer.

In some cases, you might not notice any symptoms until the child is 3-7 years of age. For example:

  • Fine motor skills problems
  • Cognitive problems
  • Speech problems
  • Movement issues
  • Troubles progressing through the normal periods of growth
  • Social or behavioral problems

If you notice the above, and suspect these issues are the result of a birth injury, there should be no time wasted in consulting a spinal cord birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This is not only because you may have grounds for a medical malpractice or personal injury case, but also due to the statute of limitations.  In cases where it takes years for the birth injury to manifest into something noticeable, you will need a good birth injury lawyer to conduct an in-depth investigation of what went wrong, when it happened, how it happened, and who caused it to happen. 

As you plan to call a birth injury lawyer, take a minute to reflect back to the pregnancy and birth. Consider the following:

  • Did you have a normal pregnancy?
  • Were there any unusual problems?
  • Did you have an emergency c-section?
  • Was there ever a moment during the birth in which you thought something wasn’t right?
  • Were there every any staff who acted strange to you, or appeared to avoid addressing certain questions?
  • What was the child’s apgar score?
  • Did the child suffer any bulges or injuries to their head?
  • Was the child deprived of oxygen, or were there breathing problems?
  • Was the child ever in the NICU?
  • Did the child’s lab work ever come back as abnormal readings?
  • Did the child suffer from seizures during the first week of their life?
  • Does the child still have seizures?

Bear in mind that if any of the above applies to your situation, you don’t necessarily have a birth injury case; however, a lawyer may look into it in further detail to gain important answers.

For more information, contact a spinal cord birth injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL families recommend from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A.

Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer Fort Lauderdale Florida

Was your childs’ spinal cord injured during labor and delivery? Do you believe the injury was preventable, but happened because of wrongdoing or negligence on part of the medical professionals who were assisting the process? If so, please call a spinal cord birth injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, Florida trusts, such as Needle & Ellenberg.

How the Spinal Cord Can Be Injured During Birth?

During the labor and delivery process, it is possible for the spinal cord to sustain a contusion, or a partial or complete tear. These kinds of injuries can be the result of a birth trauma, and typically affect the neck or upper to mid back. There are certain factors that can increase the risk of a spinal cord injury, and include:

  • Macrosomia
  • Breech or abnormal fetal positioning
  • Excessive traction
  • Prolonged labor and delivery
  • Labor that was too rapid
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Fetal abnormalities
  • Traction placed on the spinal cord
  • Extraction with forceps or a vacuum

When the baby is in a breech position, it is very possible for the spinal cord to be injured. A doctor should be aware of the risk factors and be ready to perform any necessary tests so as to reduce the potential of an injury. If medical professionals fail to do so, and the spinal cord is injured,  a birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida should be consulted for advice. 

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury 

The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and body. It is vital to normal functioning and mobility; however, is fragile and prone to injury. The effects of an injury will vary depending on the location of the injury, and the severity. Part of the severity includes whether it is a complete or incomplete injury. If a person has a complete spinal cord injury, they will have no movement below the injury. If they have an incomplete injury, some movement may be possible. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury in an infant includes, but is not limited to:

  • Weak muscles
  • Inability to move
  • No feeling in the feet, legs, chest, or arms
  • Bowel and bladder inconsistency
  • Respiratory problems, or inability to breathe
  • Inability to regulate the body temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure

The signs of a spinal cord injury are similar to other birth injuries. A doctor should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis. In the event that a medical professional’s actions, or lack of, caused the injury, please call Needle & Ellenberg to speak with a birth injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, Florida has to offer. 

Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Cord Injuries

The extent of damage to a spinal cord may not be immediately obvious. Whenever it is suspected, a full evaluation of the infant should be performed. In addition to a physical exam of the infant, a doctor will likely perform a CT or MRI, as well as blood work and Xrays. 

An injury to the spinal cord often leads to permanent damage. There are various treatments available that can keep negative outcomes to a minimum while maximizing function. These include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Acetyl-1-Carnitine
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Surgery
  • Bladder catheterization
  • Insertion of a feeding tube
  • Immobilization

The sooner a doctor intervenes in a child’s spinal cord injury, the better the outcome might be. It is prudent the infant remains monitored throughout their treatment as there is a potential for complications related to vital functions to arise. Long term treatment will involve an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals. The cost of the treatment is often in the high six or seven figures. A spinal cord birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can ensure you recover maximum damages to help you with these costs. 

Many spinal cord injuries can be prevented. When an infants’ spinal cord is injured, or damaged, and the harm was preventable, compensation may be available. Please call a spinal cord birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.