Des Moines Medical Malpractice Brain Injury Lawyers
Brain injuries are among the most serious of medical malpractice injuries. Damage to the brain, even when it is relatively minor, can permanently harm your quality of life. Brain injuries also tend to bring about incredibly expensive medical bills.
Our attorneys at Slater Law, LLC, have handled thousands of brain-related medical negligence cases in Iowa. We understand the pain, suffering and expenses that you have likely experienced due to your brain condition. When representing you, we provide hands-on personal service and will stop at nothing to recover full compensation for your damages.
What Are Examples Of The Most Common Brain Injuries?
Due to the complexity of the brain and its importance in controlling the functions of the body, medical negligence can cause numerous injuries to it. Some of the most common conditions that we see in our clients include:
- Surgical brain injuries
- Strokes, including transient ischemic attacks
- Hypoxic brain injuries
- Anoxic brain injuries
- Tumors
- Concussions
- Failure to diagnose in a timely manner
- Failure to adequately treat a condition
- Delay in diagnosis or treatment
Having handled medical malpractice lawsuits of all varieties, we know what it takes to compile a persuasive case and prove that your medical provider deviated from the standard of care and contributed to your injury. Then, we use every legal tool available to hold them accountable.
Brain Injuries In Infants
Birth injuries that lead to brain damage in infants can have long-lasting impacts on their development and quality of life. Many of these injuries occur during the birthing process, often as a result of complications or medical errors.
A brain injury in an infant can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays or even permanent cognitive impairments. Common causes include:
- Prolonged labor can place excessive pressure on the infant’s head.
- Improper use of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Failure to address fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rates or oxygen levels.
- Oxygen deprivation during delivery can lead to hypoxic or anoxic injuries.
- Infections, such as meningitis or maternal infections that go untreated.
- Untreated jaundice can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage.
The signs of brain injuries in infants may not always be immediately apparent, but symptoms like seizures, low Apgar scores or feeding difficulties can be early indicators. Over time, parents may notice developmental delays or challenges with motor skills and speech.
Medical professionals are responsible for identifying potential risks and taking steps to prevent harm. If medical negligence or substandard care contributes to an infant’s brain injury, families may be entitled to pursue compensation.
What Is The Difference Between Hypoxic And Anoxic Brain Injuries?
Both hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries involve oxygen deprivation to the brain, but the extent and duration of the deprivation differentiate the two:
- Hypoxic brain injuries: These occur when the brain receives a reduced oxygen supply. This partial deprivation can damage brain cells over time, leading to cognitive or physical impairments. Causes of hypoxia in infants include umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption or maternal complications during labor. While hypoxia may allow for some recovery, the damage can still be severe depending on how long the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen.
- Anoxic brain injuries: These result from a complete lack of oxygen to the brain. Even a few minutes of total oxygen deprivation can cause irreversible brain damage or death. In newborns, anoxic injuries can occur due to severe birth complications, such as umbilical cord strangulation or failure to resuscitate promptly after delivery.
Prompt medical intervention can sometimes reduce the effects of hypoxia, but anoxic injuries lead to more permanent consequences. Our team of experienced attorneys understands these distinctions, so we can determine an appropriate path forward.
Reach Out For Help From A Team Committed To You
The devastation of a brain injury cannot be overstated, and you do not deserve to suffer from it. You do not have to worry about paying an attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay anything unless we recover compensation. To request your free, confidential initial consultation, please call our Des Moines office toll-free at 866-412-5937 or send us an email.