Having a child with a birth injury is one of the most difficult situations a parent can experience. Not only do you have to cope with the emotional toll of seeing your child struggle, but you also face the financial burden of providing them with the long-term care and therapies they need.
In many of these cases, the baby’s condition has been caused by a doctor or other medical professional, adding frustration and anger to the situation. In this article, we’ll provide guidance on finding a birth injury lawyer to help you through this difficult time.
Birth Injuries Sustained During Birth or the Neonatal Period
Birth injuries can vary in type and severity and may have profound, long-term effects on a child’s health and development. Here are some of the different types of birth injuries that can lead to lawsuits:
- Cerebral palsy: This condition can range from mild to severe and affects a child’s movement, coordination, and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
- Erb’s palsy: This kind of damage affects the nerves in an injured child’s arm, causing weakness or paralysis. It is often caused by a difficult delivery, such as when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck in the birth canal.
- Brachial plexus injuries: These affect a child’s neck and shoulder nerves. It can cause weakness or paralysis in the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Shoulder dystocia: This complication occurs during delivery when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, vacuum extractor misuse is a known risk factor for shoulder dystocia. The condition can cause nerve damage, fractures, and other problems.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): This type of brain damage occurs due to oxygen deprivation that could happen during or shortly after birth. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can cause seizures, developmental delays, and other long-term issues.
- Other brain injuries: Other types of brain damage that can occur during childbirth include intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and kernicterus. These conditions are sometimes caused by medical mistakes and can result in permanent disability or death.
If your child suffers from any of these conditions, seeking legal advice from an attorney with experience in similar cases is strongly advised.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Why it’s Important to Find the Right Birth Injury Lawyer
Birth injury cases can be complex and require a deep understanding of medical malpractice law. When your child’s health and well-being are on the line, the stakes are high.
The right attorney will provide the following:
- Legal knowledge: Medical malpractice cases involve unique laws and regulations. An experienced birth injury attorney will have a deep understanding of these laws and can navigate the legal system on your behalf.
- Medical understanding: In addition to legal knowledge, your lawyer should have a background in medicine or access to medical experts. An understanding of medical procedures is essential in proving that negligence occurred and caused your child’s injury. A knowledgeable legal team will pore over your medical records and other evidence to build a case against the negligent healthcare provider.
- Advocacy: Your lawyer will be your advocate throughout the legal process. They will fight for your child’s rights and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your child’s past, present, and future medical expenses.
- Emotional support: Birth injury cases can be emotionally challenging for parents. An empathetic lawyer can provide compassionate legal support as you work through the psychological trauma that comes with these cases.
- Experience with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to avoid paying out on birth injury claims. A medical malpractice lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurers and will know when it’s time to bring a birth injury lawsuit.
Finding a lawyer that meets the above criteria could help your child receive enough compensation for the standard of care they deserve.
Questions to Ask a Lawyer Before Hiring Them
After a life-altering birth injury, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you hire someone capable of handling your case effectively. Here are some questions you should consider asking a potential attorney:
- Have you handled cases similar to mine? Every medical accident is unique; however, it’s important to work with a lawyer who has experience handling cases similar to yours. A lawyer who has handled similar cases will understand the specific challenges and legal issues associated with this kind of case.
- What is your success rate with birth injury cases? While no lawyer can guarantee a successful outcome, working with a lawyer with a track record of success in similar cases is ideal. A lawyer with a high success rate is more likely to be able to handle your case and obtain a favorable outcome effectively.
- How will you handle my case? Working with a lawyer who will give your case the attention it needs is crucial. Ask your potential lawyer how they plan to handle your case, their strategy, and what you can expect throughout the process.
- What are your fees? Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to understand their fee structure. Ask your potential lawyer about their legal fees and how they are calculated. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
How Birth Injury Lawyers Group Can Help You Find an Attorney
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we understand the emotional and financial strain of caring for a child with serious medical issues. That’s why we’re dedicated to connecting families with experienced and compassionate attorneys who will fight for your child’s rights and the compensation your family needs.
Choosing a birth injury lawyer is a big decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let us match you with a lawyer who will be your advocate and help you get the justice and compensation your child is owed. If you believe your child’s birth injury resulted from medical malpractice, don’t wait.
Contact us today and take the first step towards a brighter future for your family.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."
