Chicago Neonatal Hypotonia Lawyers

When you bring a new baby into the world, you trust your medical team to provide expert care so that your child can thrive. But when a birth injury like neonatal hypotonia—a condition marked by abnormally low muscle tone—occurs because of medical negligence, it’s overwhelming and heartbreaking.

At Beam Legal Team, we understand the challenges families face when coping with birth injuries. Our team of Chicago neonatal hypotonia lawyers provide both compassionate support and the legal guidance needed to hold negligent providers accountable.

What Is Neonatal Hypotonia?

Neonatal hypotonia refers to reduced muscle tone in newborns, which can affect their ability to move, feed, and grow. The amount of tension or resistance to movement in resting muscles help to identify this condition. Babies with hypotonia often exhibit:

• Weak or floppy muscles
• Difficulty feeding or swallowing
• Poor reflexes and delayed motor development

Hypotonia is often an indicator of underlying issues such as birth trauma, neurological disorders, or genetic conditions. Identifying and treating the condition early is essential to managing its effects and reducing its long-term impact on a child’s growth and development.

Causes of Neonatal Hypotonia

There are several factors that can contribute to neonatal hypotonia, including medical negligence. Common causes include:

Birth Injuries

• Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
• Oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery (birth asphyxia)

Neurological Conditions

• Cerebral palsy resulting from brain damage during or after birth
• Spinal cord injuries that impact nerve function and muscle control

Genetic Disorders

• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
• Conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome affecting muscle tone and development

Infections or Pregnancy Complications

• Maternal infections that go untreated during pregnancy
• Premature birth or low birth weight increasing vulnerability to complications

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Hypotonia

If left untreated or if the condition is severe, neonatal hypotonia can lead to lasting challenges for both the child and their family. These include:

• Developmental Delays: Difficulty reaching milestones like crawling, walking, or speaking
• Feeding and Swallowing Problems: Leading to malnutrition or excessive weight gain
• Respiratory Issues: Increased risk of breathing difficulties due to weak muscles
• Lifelong Disabilities: Physical and cognitive impairments requiring ongoing care

Families facing these challenges often need specialized medical care, therapy, and assistive devices to help their child achieve the best possible quality of life.

How Medical Negligence Can Contribute to Neonatal Hypotonia

In some cases, neonatal hypotonia is preventable and occurs because of medical errors. Examples of specific medical negligence include:

• Delayed Response to Fetal Distress: Failing to monitor or act on signs of oxygen deprivation
• Improper Delivery Techniques: Misuse of forceps, vacuum extractors, or excessive force during delivery
• Failure to Diagnose or Treat Infections: Ignoring conditions like maternal infections or untreated jaundice
• Inadequate Neonatal Care: Mishandling the baby after birth or failing to provide critical support

These failures in care can have devastating consequences, leaving families overwhelmed with emotional and financial burdens.

Legal Rights for Families of Neonatal Hypotonia Victims

When medical negligence causes neonatal hypotonia, families have the right to pursue compensation for the harm their child has suffered. This compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, therapy, and assistive devices
• Ongoing Care Costs: Accounting for the child’s lifelong care needs
• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll on the family

The legal process can be complex, but a birth injury lawyer experienced in these specific cases can guide you through every step.

How Beam Legal Team Can Help

At Beam Legal Team, we have extensive experience helping families affected by birth injuries like neonatal hypotonia. Our team understands the emotional and financial significance of these cases, and we are committed to helping you achieve justice. Here’s how we can assist:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We’ll review medical records and consult with experts to identify instances of negligence.
• Skilled Legal Advocacy: Whether through negotiation or litigation, we’ll fight for maximum compensation to support your family’s needs.
• Personalized Support: We tailor our approach to the unique situation your family is in, offering empathy and guidance at every step.

We don’t want families to feel any added pressure. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis—meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win you compensation.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Medical Negligence

If you believe medical errors caused your child’s neonatal hypotonia, it’s important to act quickly. Following these steps is essential to a successful legal outcome:

1. Obtain Medical Records: Collect documentation related to the pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal care.
2. Seek Specialist Evaluations: Have your child assessed by another medical professional with expertise in hypotonia.
3. Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Contact Our Neonatal Hypotonia Lawyers Today

Your family doesn’t have to face this difficult time alone. At Beam Legal Team, we are dedicated to helping families affected by neonatal hypotonia secure the justice and financial resources they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.