If your loved one suffered a birth injury, you deserve answers. No parent expects their child to be harmed due to medical malpractice. Unfortunately, birth injuries are a far too common occurrence. They can leave infants severely injured, needing long-term care and treatment. An attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover all of your losses.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., our lawyers provide experienced representation for individuals who have suffered unimaginable harm due to a birth injury. Were you or a loved one injured because of a healthcare provider’s wrongdoing? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Is a Birth Injury?
Birth injuries are injuries that occur during the labor and delivery process or shortly thereafter. Birth injuries, also referred to as birth trauma, can be devastating. They may cause long-term damage, including intellectual and developmental delays. If you suspect that your infant sustained a birth injury, you need to speak with an attorney.
What Are Common Examples of Birth Injuries?
When your child is injured as a result of a medical professional’s wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Obtaining compensation, however, can be challenging without the help of a birth injury lawyer.
Common examples of birth injuries:
- Erb’s palsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Skull and facial fractures
- Hemorrhages and brain bleeds
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Spinal cord injuries
Any trauma that your child sustained during the birthing process should be reported to a doctor for further evaluation. Obtaining an early and accurate diagnosis is often critical to a full recovery.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries may be caused by several factors, but when they are the result of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you may have the right to take legal action. In order to determine who or what caused your infant harm, you should speak with an attorney. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation into what caused the infant’s trauma.
Common causes of birth injuries:
- Failure to monitor for and diagnose fetal distress
- Failure to order a cesarean section (c-section)
- Failure to diagnose and treat a maternal infection or illness
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction devices
- Failure to diagnose dangerous prenatal conditions
- Using too much force during labor
These are only a few of the common causes of birth trauma. It is important to remember that a birth injury is not the same as a birth defect. A birth defect is a condition that develops prior to birth and is usually inherited or genetic. A birth injury, on the other hand, is harm that is caused during the labor and delivery process or shortly after. It can be caused or made worse by a medical provider’s negligence.
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Birth Injury?
If you suspect that your child sustained a birth injury, you need to speak with an attorney. A Mississippi birth injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight to ensure that your child receives the compensation they deserve.
It is imperative that you obtain a diagnosis as soon as possible. You may need to secure a second opinion. Make sure to keep a copy of all medical records related to your child’s birth. The more information you can provide to your attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
It is always in your best interest to consult with an attorney about your child’s birth injury. A birth injury lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim for damages. It is important to remember that you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit based on birth injury. Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations or failure to give proper notice to potentially liable parties may negatively impact your case.
If your child suffered an injury after their birth, it is imperative to act quickly. Consulting with an attorney immediately after your child’s diagnosis can help ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover all of your child’s medical bills, future care and treatment, and more. Do not wait until it is too late to file a claim.
Suffered a Birth Injury? Contact Our Office.
Did your infant sustain a birth injury at a Mississippi hospital? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our lawyers will help guide you through the process and assist in determining the best course of legal action. We are tough, experienced trial lawyers who know what it takes to win.
Do not settle for less than your case is worth. Get the dedicated legal representation you need today. We have helped countless injury victims and their families. Our legal team is available 24/7 to help. Call now to get started.
