If you or your child has been injured due to medical malpractice during childbirth, our Birmingham, AL birth injury lawyer can help you. Childbirth is a wonderful, happy occasion, but if complications arise, there is risk of injuries to the mother and child. If the healthcare professionals that you have entrusted your care to fail to provide proper care, then you may be able to file a claim of medical malpractice.
Contact Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, LLC today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help you with your case.
Understanding Birth Injury Claims
There are many different types of injuries that can occur to a child during childbirth. A newborn can develop cephalohematoma, cerebral palsy, perinatal asphyxia, caput succedaneum, erb’s palsy, spinal cord injuries, kernicterus, fractures, nerve injuries, and other injuries and conditions due to the negligence of doctors and other healthcare professionals. If your child has developed one of these conditions due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, then you can file a claim of medical malpractice and seek compensation for the injuries that have resulted from improper care.
If a healthcare professional has failed to provide a standard of care and is liable in the resulting injuries, a Birmingham birth injury lawyer can help you. To have a successful claim and receive compensation, liability must be proven. a healthcare professional may be liable for resulting injuries are if they failed to diagnose or detect a condition in your newborn, failed to recognize distress in the newborn or the mother, failed to address complications that arose during labor, failed to perform a C-section when it was necessary, provided negligent prenatal or neonatal care, provided negligent use of vacuum extraction or forceps, improperly administered Pitocin or other medication, or acted negligently in another way that caused complications and injuries during labor or delivery.
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
A birth injury lawyer can help you through every step of the process of filing a medical malpractice claim. They will first consult with you on your case, the specifics of the improper care you received, and the details of the injuries that resulted from that negligence. Then, they will gather evidence surrounding the specifics of the care and injuries and use this evidence to build and file a strong and effective claim of medical malpractice. It is their job to negotiate and fight for you and the compensation that you deserve.
Seeking Compensation
An injury resulting from childbirth can be devastating and have a number of long-term effects. A good Birmingham birth injury lawyer will strive to maximize the compensation you receive in order to help you bear the burden of the costs incurred by any injuries. Costs such as present and future medical expenses, physical therapy, special education and care needs, lost wages resulting from increased childcare needs, emotional distress, and pain and suffering can potentially be received in a medical malpractice case.
Choosing the Right Representation
A good lawyer will not only have extensive experience and knowledge of childbirth injuries but also a passion for you and your case. In a difficult time, it is important to know that you have a lawyer fighting for you and your rights and working hard to obtain compensation that will help you and your child live the best, most fulfilling life possible. If you are prepared to move forward with a medical malpractice claim in the case of a birth injury and are looking for a lawyer that checks all those boxes, contact Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, LLC today.
Birth Injury Legal Representation
Birth injuries, often devastating, can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. These injuries range from mild to severe, impacting a child’s life and the family’s emotional and financial well-being. Legal representation in these cases plays a crucial role in seeking justice and compensation for affected families. It is crucial to have a Birmingham, AL birth injury lawyer on your side so that you can get the right amount of compensation and representation for your case. The lawyers at Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, LLC would be happy to meet with you to determine if we would be a good fit to represent you.
Types Of Compensation In Birth Injury Cases
Families impacted by birth injuries may seek various forms of compensation. Financial recovery can include medical expenses, both current and future, related to the child’s condition. This encompasses costs for surgeries, therapies, and long-term care needs. Additionally, compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life’s enjoyment is also considered. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded to penalize negligent parties and prevent future misconduct. It is important to hold everyone accountable when it comes to something as serious as childbirth.
Long-Term Impacts Of Birth Injuries
The effects of birth injuries can be far-reaching. Physically, a child may face lifelong disabilities, requiring ongoing medical attention and assistance. Emotionally, the psychological impact on the child and family members can be profound, affecting their overall quality of life. Financially, the burden of continuous medical care and potential loss of income if a parent must become a full-time caregiver can be significant.
Medical Conditions Resulting From Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can lead to a spectrum of medical conditions, some of which may have lifelong implications. One of the most common conditions is cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and body movement. This condition arises due to brain damage sustained during birth, often impacting the child’s motor skills, speech, and overall physical development. Another significant condition is Erb’s palsy, a form of brachial plexus injury that occurs when the nerves in the baby’s neck are stretched or torn during delivery. This can result in weakness or paralysis in the affected arm, necessitating physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery for recovery.
Other conditions include perinatal asphyxia, which occurs when the baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or just after birth, potentially leading to neurological and developmental issues. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious condition associated with oxygen deprivation, leading to cognitive impairments and physical disabilities. In addition to these, infants may suffer from fractures, especially of the collarbone or clavicle, during a difficult delivery. These injuries, while often healable, can cause immediate pain and distress to the newborn. Each of these conditions not only affects the child’s health and development but also brings emotional and financial strain to the families, underscoring the importance of seeking appropriate legal and medical support. A Birmingham birth injury lawyer will know how to gather evidence and come up with a compelling case so that you can get some compensation for all the trauma you and your family have been through.
Taking The Next Step
If your family is facing the challenges of a birth injury, it’s vital to seek legal guidance promptly. Time is of the essence in these cases, both for preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines. Reach out to a legal team that understands your needs and is committed to fighting for the compensation and justice your family deserves. Take the first step towards protecting your rights and securing your child’s future by scheduling a consultation with our skilled Birmingham birth injury lawyer today. Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, LLC is here to help.
