Traumatic brain injury is often referred to as the silent epidemic.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. TBI is often referred to as the silent epidemic. Over 3 million Americans suffer from TBIs, another 500,000 have cerebral palsy, and another 4.7 million have brain injuries from strokes. Some causes of brain injuries are related to medical malpractice.
Brain Injuries that Occur During Childbirth
When a child’s brain is negligently deprived of oxygen during labor, delivery, or pregnancy, it may give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Birth injuries can leave a child with conditions such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness, learning disabilities, blindness, or seizures. Oxygen deprivation that causes brain injury may arise from any of the following:
- maternal infection
- compression of the umbilical cord
- uterine rupture or placental disruption
- preeclampsia or maternal high blood pressure
- breeched vaginal position of the baby
- failure to timely perform an emergency C-section
- improper dosage or administration of labor-inducing drugs or epidural
- fetal macrosomia
Brain Injury and Medical Malpractice
An error in diagnosis or treatment of a serious medical condition can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Causes of brain injury in children and adults involving medical malpractice include:
- anesthesia errors
- medication errors
- surgical errors
- emergency room errors
- radiology errors
A delay in diagnosis or treatment of certain medical conditions increase the risk of a TBI:
- cardiac arrest
- stroke, blood clot, or aneurysm
- spreading infection or abscess
- encephalitis or meningitis
- hydrocephalus
- internal bleeding
- diabetes, insulin shock, or diabetic coma
There are several other causes of TBI and other errors and acts of negligence involving treatment and care that can give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit. For example, when a hospital or nursing home patient falls and suffers a TBI.
Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
A TBI can leave a victim permanently disabled and in need of extensive medical treatment and care. Every day, people put their trust, their health, and their lives in the care of medical practitioners, expecting quality care that is consistent with the highest standards of healthcare. When a medical practitioner fails to provide the standard of care and you or your loved one suffers an injury, you have the right to seek compensation for those injuries. Consult with a Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyer. Call Willens & Baez at (312) 957-4166. We will help you through the legal process and ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injury and suffering.
