Birth Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

Did your child suffer a serious injury before, during, or shortly after birth? Birth injuries like these often result from instances where doctors, nurses, or other medical staff make preventable mistakes that can change the course of your child’s life forever.

The aftermath of a birth injury can be emotionally overwhelming and financially draining. But you’re not alone—families in situations like yours can always turn to a birth injury lawyer in Las Vegas to help you understand what went wrong and what legal options you have.

At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we’re ready and willing to represent you as your Nevada birth injury lawyer. Since 2003, we have recovered over $750 million in compensation. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start fighting for the justice your child deserves. 

Defining Birth Injuries

A birth injury is physical harm sustained by a newborn during labor, delivery, or shortly thereafter. These injuries can result from mechanical trauma, oxygen deprivation, improper monitoring, or the misuse of medical equipment. 

Birth injuries are distinct from congenital conditions or birth defects, which are typically caused by genetic or developmental issues unrelated to the birthing process itself. Some birth injuries resolve with time and supportive care. 

Others can lead to permanent disabilities, requiring years—or even a lifetime—of medical treatment and support. In serious cases, families may find themselves managing profound developmental and physical challenges that could have been avoided.

Causes of Birth Injuries in Las Vegas Hospitals

Hospitals in the Las Vegas area serve a large and growing population, with thousands of births taking place annually. Despite advances in prenatal care and obstetrics, preventable injuries still occur in both public and private hospital settings.

These are common causes of birth injuries:

• Delayed Cesarean section (C-section): A C-section is often necessary when complications arise, such as fetal distress, prolonged labor, or an abnormal fetal position. Delays in recognizing the need for surgical delivery can result in brain damage or stillbirth.
• Misuse of delivery instruments: Obstetric tools like forceps and vacuum extractors are used to assist with difficult deliveries. If misapplied, these tools can fracture the infant’s skull, damage facial nerves, or cause brain bleeding.
• Failure to monitor fetal vital signs: Fetal heart monitors are used to detect distress. When medical staff fail to recognize warning signs such as bradycardia or tachycardia, the baby may suffer from a lack of oxygen, which can lead to long-term neurological damage.
• Umbilical cord problems: A prolapsed cord, nuchal cord, or compressed cord can cut off the oxygen and blood supply. If not addressed swiftly, these complications can result in serious harm.
• Shoulder dystocia: This occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. Improper techniques to resolve this condition may result in nerve damage, fractures, or even maternal injury.
• Improper use of Pitocin: This labor-inducing drug can overstimulate contractions, which may cause uterine rupture, fetal distress, or oxygen deprivation.
• Negligent prenatal care: Undiagnosed infections, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure can all increase the risk of birth complications if not properly managed before delivery.

Las Vegas Birth Injury Lawyer Near Me 1-800-222-9529

Common Types of Birth Injuries

The injuries resulting from birth-related medical errors vary in nature and severity. Some may be immediately visible, while others only become apparent months or years later as developmental milestones are missed.

Here are examples of notable birth injuries often sustained by victims in these situations:

• Cerebral palsy: Often associated with oxygen deprivation or head trauma, cerebral palsy affects muscle control, movement, and posture. Symptoms may include stiffness, involuntary movements, and cognitive delays. This condition is commonly linked to preventable medical errors during delivery.
• Brachial plexus injuries: Injuries to the network of nerves running from the spinal cord to the arm can occur when excessive force is applied during delivery. Erb’s palsy is one subtype, often resulting in weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
• Facial nerve damage: Pressure from forceps or trauma during birth may damage the facial nerve, leading to asymmetrical facial movement or complete paralysis on one side of the face.
• Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding in or around the brain may result from physical trauma or high-pressure vacuum extraction. This can lead to seizures, developmental delays, or hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain).
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): This serious condition results from inadequate oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain. HIE can lead to permanent cognitive and motor impairments and is a frequent cause of cerebral palsy. 
• Fractures: A commonly fractured bone during birth is the clavicle, often due to shoulder dystocia. Arm or skull fractures may also occur during complicated deliveries.
• Spinal cord injuries: Though rare, severe traction on the baby’s neck during delivery can result in partial or complete paralysis from spinal cord trauma.

Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, the general statute of limitations for medical malpractice is two years from either the date the injury occurred or the date the injury was discovered—or should have been discovered. However, there are exceptions for minors. 

In birth injury cases involving children under the age of 18 years old, the statute of limitations is often tolled—or paused—until the child reaches adulthood. This means they typically have until they turn 20 years old to take legal action and bring forth a claim. 

That said, it is often more practical for parents or guardians to bring the claim earlier in an effort to preserve evidence and secure resources for ongoing care. For injuries sustained by the mother, the two-year period begins from the date of injury or discovery.

Contact Our Birth Injury Law Firm in Las Vegas for Help Today

If your child suffered from a preventable birth injury as a result of medical negligence or malpractice, you don’t have to face the aftermath all alone. This is an experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed beyond belief, but you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

Instead, reach out to Birth Injury Lawyers Group to speak with our Las Vegas birth injury attorneys. We have what it takes to review the details of your case and advocate for your legal rights while pursuing justice on behalf of your child and your family.

You deserve answers, and we’re here to work toward fair compensation in your case. Don’t wait to contact us—we’re ready to support you immediately. The sooner you call our Las Vegas birth injury law firm, the sooner we can start holding the responsible parties accountable.