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Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC Wais Vogelstein Forman Koch & Norman LLC
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Chicago Injuries from Prematurity Attorney

Birth injuries resulting from a preterm birth, or a premature birth, may be the result of medical malpractice in some circumstances. Although there are circumstances that can result in a preterm birth that do not involve medical malpractice, medical providers have a duty to recognize and treat signs of a possible premature birth and to provide the mother with appropriate care. If your baby sustained injuries from prematurity, you should have your case assessed by a birth injury lawyer who can help. An experienced Chicago injuries from prematurity attorney can speak with you today about your circumstances and can evaluate your case.

What is a Premature Childbirth?

When and how do premature child births occur? According to the Mayo Clinic, premature birth is linked to preterm labor. What is preterm labor? The Mayo Clinic explains that “preterm labor occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy.” The earlier that a premature birth occurs, the more the baby is at risk of injuries from prematurity. Premature babies, often known as preemies, “need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit,” and “preemies can also have long-term mental and physical disabilities.”

There are a number of risk factors that can make a preterm birth more likely. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are common risk factors for a premature birth, although it is important to keep in mind that a preterm birth can also happen when no risk factors are present:

  • Previous premature birth;
  • Pregnancy with multiples (i.e., twins, triplets);
  • Short length of time between pregnancies;
  • Uterus, cervix, or placenta problems;
  • Cigarette smoking;
  • Certain maternal infections;
  • High blood pressure in the mother;
  • Diabetes in the mother;
  • Mother being underweight or overweight;
  • Stress;
  • History of miscarriages; and/pr
  • Physical injury to the mother.

When is a Healthcare Provider Liable for Injuries from Prematurity in Chicago?

Doctors have a duty to recognize possible risks of preterm labor and premature birth injuries and to take an appropriate response. If a doctor’s negligence results in injuries from prematurity, it may be possible to file a medical malpractice claim.

Contact Our Chicago Birth Injury Attorneys Today

If your child was born prematurely and has been diagnosed with a birth injury, you may be eligible to file a birth injury claim. Preterm deliveries can have many different causes, including medical negligence. There are certain warning signs of preterm delivery that your doctor should be able to identify, and in the event of a premature delivery, your health care provider has a duty to provide you with a level of care that another doctor in the same area would find reasonable. If your doctor failed to identify signs of a possible premature delivery, or failed to take appropriate action after realizing that you were at risk of a preterm birth, you may be able to hold your health care provider accountable.

Our Chicago birth injury lawyers are here to help. Contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC today to learn more about how our firm can assist you with your premature birth injury claim.

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