Illinois Preeclampsia Birth Injury Attorney
Swollen hands and feet, hypertension (high blood pressure), and protein in the mother’s urine are the three largest warning signs of toxemia, or preeclampsia. This condition, which often occurs during the mother’s second pregnancy trimester, often damages the kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Unless doctors promptly and properly treat toxemia, the condition is life-threatening, for both mothers and their babies. Furthermore, preeclampsia requires extensive monitoring and maintenance.
The compassionate Illinois preeclampsia birth injury attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman understand that very few things in life transform sheer joy into sheer devastation faster and more completely than a birth injury. The birth of a new child should be a joyous occasion for everyone to enjoy. It should not be an additional source of financial and emotional stress for families who already have more than their share of these things. We understand what you feel, and we know what you need. We cannot reverse the events which led to a serious injury. No one can. The best we can do is help affected families carry on with their lives.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
Negligence often occurs during one or more of the three areas mentioned above (prompt treatment, proper treatment, and effective follow-up).
Usually, mothers with preeclampsia have no pre-existing conditions. They usually exhibit few warning signs. When the aforementioned symptoms appear, the mother already has a very serious case of preeclampsia. Therefore, this condition often blindsides doctors. A few precious hours, or maybe even a few days, may pass before effective preeclampsia treatment begins.
Like many similar conditions, preeclampsia is difficult to treat. The methods that work in some cases might not work in other cases. Doctors must be flexible and proactive. They cannot be rigid and reactive.
Once treatment begins and preeclampsia symptoms fade, many doctors believe they are out of the woods. But the treatment and recovery process is just beginning at that point. Preeclampsia may go into remission, but it never goes away. Without careful monitoring, the mother could be hit with another wave of this disease.
Damages Available
The way our Chicago preeclampsia birth injury attorneys help families carry on is to obtain compensation for their injuries in court.
Seriously injured babies usually require lifelong care. This court could run into the millions of dollars. Families who are barely making ends meet cannot possibly afford to pay these costs out of pocket. So, they need compensation for these economic losses.
Medical bills are only the beginning. The pain and suffering these families must endure goes well beyond that level. Money cannot fill the emotional void that a permanent injury creates. But compensation for emotional distress makes life easier to live.
Furthermore, doctors have a very high duty of care in these matters. For that reason, additional punitive damages are usually available as well, if there is clear and convincing evidence that the tortfeasor (negligent actor) intentionally disregarded a known risk.
Reach out to a Diligent Chicago Cook County Attorney
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced preeclampsia birth injury attorney in Chicago, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman by going online or calling 410-567-0800. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
