Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is often related to very low birth weight. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), out of the 3.9 million infants born annually in the U.S., only 28,000 are born with a birth weight below 2 pounds and 12 ounces. Of those 28,000 low birth weight babies, the NEI reports that 14,000 to 16,000 may face some level of retinopathy of prematurity. Other variables may also be involved with this condition.
It can be frustrating to confront a case of retinopathy of prematurity and not know whether your doctors did everything they could to protect your baby’s vision. Speaking with a lawyer can help you figure out whether negligence was involved in your child’s birth injuries and whether you can pursue financial recovery.
Holding a Careless Healthcare Provider Liable
If your doctor failed to provide your baby with the medical care that they deserved, you can bring a medical malpractice case against them to recover damages. In this lawsuit, you will need to prove:
- There was an established doctor-patient relationship.
- The doctor failed to provide the same level of treatment and care that a doctor with a similar level of experience in that location would provide when treating a similar patient.
- The failure caused you or your baby to suffer damages.
Because medical negligence cases involve complex health conditions and diseases, plaintiffs are often required to produce testimony from other doctors or medical experts about the care they received and how it fell below a reasonable standard.
A birth injury lawyer can help you find the right expert to testify on your behalf about how the doctor who treated your baby failed to provide the right level of care and attention. This starts with having the expert review the medical records and potentially speak with you about what you experienced during the course of treatment.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Damages Available in a Medical Negligence Case
If you can prove that the doctor failed to treat your baby appropriately, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your damages. There are many possible types of damages that could be involved in a birth injury medical malpractice case. It can be overwhelming to calculate your damages, which is why consulting a birth injury lawyer can be a helpful step towards making your family whole again.
Some of the damages you may be entitled to receive include:
- Emergency medical bills
- Consultations for second opinions
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing medical care costs
Get a Free Consultation from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group provides a free consultation to discuss your situation in a compassionate and private setting. Call us now at (800) 222-9529 to begin. You can speak to one of our staff members to learn more about whether medical negligence may have played a role in your baby’s injuries.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."