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Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys > Illinois Neonatal Sepsis Attorney

Illinois Neonatal Sepsis Attorney

These life-threatening bacterial infections usually set in between one week and three months after birth. Although most babies have left the hospital by then, they are still under a doctor’s care. Sepsis risk factors include catheter placement, extended hospital stay, maternal membrane rupture (water breaking) longer than 18 hours before delivery, and preterm delivery. Sepsis symptoms include seizures, vomiting, unusual stool volume (diarrhea or constipation), and limited movements. A spinal tap is usually the only effective treatment for a sepsis infection.

Infants with significant sepsis risk factors probably need an extended stay in the NICU, at least for observation purposes. But many doctors allow their emotions to cloud their judgment in these situations. Families understandably don’t want to go home without their newborns. So, the doctor gives some vague instructions about the risk and symptoms of sepsis and discharges the baby. According to the duty of care, the best interests of the patient, not the patient’s preference, must exclusively dictate medical decisions.

The experienced Illinois neonatal sepsis attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman routinely handle these claims in multiple jurisdictions throughout the Prairie State. So, we are completely familiar with all the rules of procedure and evidence in different courts. This familiarly includes the written and unwritten rules. So, we are very well-positioned to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries.

Finding the Right Chicago Neonatal Sepsis Attorney

Illinois has one of the highest number of attorneys per capita in the country. Almost any of them could handle a negligence claim if need be. But only a few attorneys have the skill set to successfully resolve a complex birth injury claim. These qualifications usually include:

  • Experience: Many people have a designated attorney who handles most of their legal matters. But medical negligence is quite unlike wills, estate planning, and other types of law. Inexperienced attorneys cannot properly evaluate cases and determine all your legal options.
  • Accessibility: Most people use a single attorney because they have a relationship with that attorney. That relationship is also important in a medical negligence claim. Your attorney should be available to meet with you to discuss your case and answer all the questions you ask.
  • Dedication: If your back hurts, you should go to a doctor who focuses on such issues. Likewise, if medical negligence has affected your family, you need a attorney who focuses on such matters. A general practice attorney simply will not suffice.

Only an attorney with these qualities levels the playing field in a birth injury case. Medical malpractice insurance companies employ top attorneys who do whatever it takes to reduce or deny compensation to victims.

Negligence Defenses

Assumption of the risk, which usually involves the aforementioned discharge instructions, and comparative fault are usually the most common defenses in a sepsis claim.

Discharge instructions often include a liability waiver. But this waiver is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Instead, the insurance company must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the victim voluntarily assumed a known risk.

Comparative fault usually shifts blame for the injury from the tortfeasor (negligent party) to the victim. Usually, insurance company attorneys argue that the family did not call their doctor soon enough, or did not call 9-1-1. Comparative fault, like assumption of the risk, often does not hold up in court. Most families have little medical training or experience, so the law holds them to a different standard.

Reach out to a Compassionate Chicago Cook County Attorney

Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced neonatal sepsis attorney in Chicago, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman by going online or calling 410-567-0800. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.

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