Phoenix Hydrocephalus Birth Injury Lawyer

Welcoming a new baby into the family is a joyous occasion, but when what should be the happiest day of a parent’s life turns into a medical emergency, the results are frightening, traumatic, and often come with long-term impacts on the child and family. Hydrocephalus—sometimes called water on the brain—may be a congenital defect. In other cases, hydrocephalus results from an injury that occurs during the birthing process. When a doctor fails to properly diagnose and promptly address problems that cause hydrocephalus in an infant during labor and delivery, the result can be permanent brain damage.

If your child received a diagnosis of hydrocephalus at birth, we understand how devastating this experience can be, especially when a precious child faces life-long consequences. The birth injury lawyers at Knapp & Roberts are dedicated to our injured clients and their families. Our goal is to help you obtain both compensation and justice. Call The Phoenix birth injury attorneys today at Knapp and Roberts so we can begin prompt action on your case.

Why Choose Knapp and Roberts for Your Hydrocephalus Birth Injury Lawyers in Phoenix?

At the law firm of Knapp & Roberts, we believe in holding medical professionals responsible when they fail to adhere to their duty to treat a patient at the acceptable standard of care prescribed by the medical community. We understand that monetary compensation cannot always restore the future of an injury victim to the way it should have been, but it opens doors to the best medical care possible, relieves financial burdens, and brings a sense of closure and justice. As your birth injury attorneys in Phoenix, we offer the following:

Experience:

For over two decades, the attorneys at Knapp & Roberts have navigated Arizona’s injury laws to bring the maximum compensation to clients and their families when another party’s negligence caused them permanent injuries, disability, or death.

We have a strong background of success in recovering losses in Phoenix birth injury cases. Our positive reputation puts a voice of strength behind your claim.

Professionalism:

Our attorneys are skilled investigators with access to renowned medical experts to make the most compelling case for compensation. We have strong negotiation techniques and a resolution-oriented approach to maximize the amount of compensation your family receives in a settlement so you’re unlikely to require a lawsuit in court.

Dedication:

Attorneys Craig Knapp, Dana Roberts, and the rest of the Knapp & Roberts legal team are dedicated professionals with years of courtroom experience. We won’t hesitate to take your case to court to win the largest possible jury verdict in your case should the claim not result in an acceptable settlement amount.

Case Results:

The attorneys at Knapp and Roberts have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for clients in medical malpractice cases in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Our Phoenix medical malpractice attorneys devote their time and attention to their cases to help victims move forward.

What Is Hydrocephalus?

The human brain has spaces and ventricles filled with cerebral spinal fluid meant to act as a cushion between sensitive brain tissue and the bony skull. This fluid flows through the ventricles to keep the brain and spinal cord lubricated and protected. Each day, the body absorbs some of the fluid and produces more in a delicate balance. If the fluid inside the brain’s ventricles and cavities increases beyond the delicate balance due to blockage or failure to properly drain, it causes the ventricles to enlarge, resulting in pressure against the brain. As pressure builds, it damages brain tissue and causes a cascade of impacts on the brain’s function.

An estimated two out of every 1,000 babies is diagnosed with hydrocephalus after birth. Hydrocephalus is the most common reason for brain surgery in infants.

What Causes Hydrocephalus in Newborns?

When a disorder or medical condition blocks the flow or drainage of cerebral spinal fluid, the swelling inside the brain causes injury to the bundles of neurons inside the brain tissue responsible for bodily function and cognition. Acquired hydrocephalus results from trauma during birth rather than a congenital condition. For example, if an infant suffers a brain bleed or intraventricular hemorrhage, clots may form which block the ventricles inside the brain. Birth trauma may also lead to infections and scarring inside the brain which blocks ventricles and causes hydrocephalus.

When a doctor fails to properly monitor a laboring mother and misses signs of serious infections such as meningitis or rubella in the mother or unborn baby, the result may be a child born with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in newborns is sometimes caused by the incorrect use of forceps or vacuums to aid in delivery. Some head trauma in infants is the result of a doctor’s failure to promptly recognize fetal distress and order a C-section promptly. Failing to deliver a baby through a C-section when the mother and/or baby is in distress may result in head trauma and hydrocephalus in the baby.

Signs of Hydrocephalus In Newborns After Birth

Not only do medical practitioners have a duty to prevent birth trauma and hydrocephalus, but they also are responsible for promptly recognizing symptoms of hydrocephalus in newborns. Fast treatment helps minimize damage to brain tissue that could otherwise cause impairment and permanent disability. Common signs of hydrocephalus in newborns include:

• A large head size or rapidly increasing head size
• A bulging fontanel (soft spot)
• Eyes in a fixed downward position or unable to look to the sides
• Sleepiness
• Lethargy or lacking normal infant movements
• Feeding problems
• Large or unusually visible veins on the scalp
• A scalp with a thin, stretched, or shiny appearance
• Vomiting
• Irritability or inconsolable crying
• Seizures

Not only do OBGYNs have a duty to prevent birth injuries like hydrocephalus during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, but when a newborn exhibits any of the above symptoms, medical professionals must quickly assess and treat the infant to prevent or minimize permanent injury. If the providers responsible for your child’s prenatal, postnatal, or newborn care failed to promptly recognize and treat hydrocephalus and the result was serious injury and lasting impairment, your family could recover compensation to help provide for your child’s care.

Possible Permanent Impacts of Hydrocephalus

Babies diagnosed with birth-injury-related hydrocephalus require expensive medical care that often includes surgery to drain excess fluid. Many infants suffer permanent brain damage from the delayed treatment of hydrocephalus that could cause impairment including:

• Cognitive disorders
• Speech problems
• Memory problems
• Problems with vision
• Problems with concentration, attention, retention, and learning
• Coordination problems
• Epilepsy

Children who suffer any of the above consequences of brain injury caused by hydrocephalus often require ongoing medical care, speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education.

What Compensation is Available in Hydrocephalus Birth Injury Claims in Arizona?

Caring for a child with a brain injury due to hydrocephalus quickly becomes expensive. Naturally, all parents want the best care possible for their child to maximize the child’s quality of life. A successful birth injury claim in Phoenix can recover compensation for common damages in hydrocephalus cases such as the following:

• Medical expenses
• Anticipated future medical expenses
• Education costs
• Loss of income due to a parent’s need to leave the workforce or reduce working hours to care for a child with special needs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Disability/diminished life quality

Your family shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden alone. Your child deserves the best possible care. The attorneys at Knapp & Roberts make your goals our own.

Call Knapp & Roberts Today for Your Birth Injury Case in Phoenix

We provide free confidential case evaluations for birth injury families. At Knapp & Roberts, you pay nothing upfront. We only take a fee after we secure compensation for your family, Contact the birth injury lawyers at Knapp & Roberts today so we can begin a strong strategy for your financial recovery so you can focus on your child’s care.