Welcoming a child into the world should be a joyous occasion, but when preventable birth injuries occur, it can leave families facing devastating challenges. The trusted White Marsh birth injury lawyers with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. are here to help families demand justice for their child’s suffering. With an unwavering commitment to holding negligent medical professionals accountable, we are prepared to pursue the compensation your family needs to rebuild and move forward.
What Are Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries refer to the harm sustained by a baby or mother during labor and delivery, often due to medical mistakes or lapses in judgment. These injuries can range from mild and treatable conditions to severe, life-altering disabilities that require ongoing care. Understanding how these injuries occur is essential for identifying when negligence may have played a role.
Examples of birth injuries include conditions like cerebral palsy, which may result from oxygen deprivation, or brachial plexus injuries, caused by nerve damage during delivery. Additional injuries, such as skull fractures or facial paralysis, can stem from the improper use of delivery tools. Families impacted by these situations often feel overwhelmed, but working with a medical malpractice birth injury lawyer can help them uncover the truth and seek accountability for their losses.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries Due to Medical Negligence
Preventable birth injuries often arise from errors or delays during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Medical providers are expected to act swiftly and competently in critical situations, but poor decision-making or communication can lead to devastating outcomes. When healthcare teams fail to respond to complications appropriately, both the baby and mother may suffer long-term consequences. Here are some common causes of birth injuries:
- Failure to perform an emergency C-section – Ignoring signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rates or lack of oxygen, can lead to severe outcomes.
- Improper use of delivery tools – Excessive force with forceps or vacuums can injure the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders.
- Medication administration errors – Incorrect use of labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin can cause dangerous complications for both mother and child.
- Missed warning signs during labor – Overlooking symptoms of infection or prolonged labor can have serious consequences.
Medical malpractice lawyers experienced in birth injury cases can help families investigate these causes and pursue justice for their children’s injuries.
The Long-Term Consequences of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can lead to lifelong challenges for children, ranging from physical disabilities to cognitive impairments and developmental delays. Some children may require specialized equipment, such as mobility aids or communication devices, to navigate daily life. These injuries can also impact their independence and limit opportunities for social and academic growth.
For families, the financial burden can feel overwhelming. Expenses often include ongoing medical care, frequent therapy sessions, and potential home modifications to accommodate their child’s needs. With the right legal guidance, families in White Marsh can secure compensation to provide their children with the resources needed for a brighter future and a better quality of life.
Legal Options for Families Affected by Birth Injuries in White Marsh
If your child suffered a preventable birth injury, you may have the legal right to file a medical malpractice claim against the negligent healthcare provider. These claims can provide compensation for a range of damages, including medical expenses, specialized therapies, and pain and suffering. In some cases, families may also seek recovery for the loss of future earning capacity or the cost of adaptive technology.
In Maryland, families need to act quickly to meet important deadlines and gather crucial evidence for their case. Working with a skilled birth injury lawyer in White Marsh can make all the difference. By partnering with experienced legal advocates, you can focus on your child’s recovery while professionals handle the complexities of your claim and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
How White Marsh Birth Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Birth injury lawyers in White Marsh provide invaluable support for families dealing with the aftermath of medical negligence. Attorneys meticulously review medical records to uncover evidence of errors or deviations from the standard of care. By consulting with medical experts, they can build a compelling case that proves negligence and establishes liability for the injury.
Effective legal representation is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation in court. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts, but our experienced birth injury lawyers advocate fiercely for the full compensation your family deserves. With skilled attorneys by your side, you can focus on your child’s recovery while they handle the complexities of your case.
Steps to Take After Discovering a Birth Injury
If you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s birth injury, acting promptly is critical to protect your family’s rights and build a strong case. Each step you take can help secure the evidence needed to hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for your child’s future needs. The following actionable steps provide a roadmap for moving forward after a preventable birth injury.
1. Obtain and review your medical records
Collect all medical records from your pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as neonatal care provided to your child. These documents may contain key information, such as fetal monitoring data, delivery notes, and medication records, that can reveal potential errors or lapses in care. Your attorney will analyze these records to identify deviations from standard medical practices.
It is equally important to include prenatal care records, as errors during pregnancy, such as missed diagnoses of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, can contribute to birth injuries. Retaining these documents early ensures that your legal team has the information needed to assess liability and build a compelling case on your behalf.
2. Seek a second opinion from a medical professional
Consulting with an independent medical professional can help confirm the cause of your child’s injury and determine whether medical errors played a role. This evaluation may include reviewing delivery techniques, identifying delays in necessary interventions, or diagnosing improper use of delivery tools. A second opinion strengthens your case by providing an unbiased assessment of your healthcare provider’s actions.
Additionally, medical experts can offer insights into how the injury could have been avoided with appropriate care. This information not only supports your claim but also helps you understand the extent of your child’s condition and potential long-term needs. A trusted attorney will connect you with qualified medical experts who specialize in birth injury cases.
3. Document your child’s medical journey and related expenses
Begin keeping a detailed record of your child’s medical treatments, therapies, and developmental milestones. Include receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, such as medications, adaptive equipment, or transportation to and from appointments. These records will demonstrate the financial impact of the birth injury and serve as evidence when calculating damages.
Photographs and notes documenting your child’s progress, or setbacks can also illustrate how the injury affects their daily life. A comprehensive account of these challenges strengthens your claim by highlighting the physical, emotional, and financial toll on your family. Your attorney will use this documentation to present a complete picture of your family’s losses.
4. Avoid communication with the hospital or insurance companies
Refrain from speaking directly with hospital representatives or insurance adjusters without legal representation. These parties may attempt to downplay negligence, minimize your claim, or offer a quick settlement that does not reflect the full value of your case. Allowing your attorney to handle these communications protects your rights and ensures you do not inadvertently harm your case.
Insurance adjusters may request statements or access to your child’s medical records, which could be used against you. A birth injury lawyer will manage these interactions, ensuring that you remain focused on your child’s recovery while they advocate for your family’s interests.
5. Contact medical malpractice birth injury lawyers
Schedule a consultation with attorneys experienced in handling birth injury cases as soon as possible. A lawyer will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps for pursuing compensation. They will also help you navigate Maryland’s statute of limitations, ensuring your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Your attorney will gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and negotiate with insurance companies or opposing counsel on your behalf. This guidance allows you to focus on caring for your child while trusting that your case is being handled with the attention it deserves. Acting quickly increases your chances of securing the resources your family needs for the future.
Why Choose Us as Your Best Birth Injury Law Firm in White Marsh?
Our firm has extensive experience handling birth injury cases, including those involving cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and other preventable complications. We are dedicated to providing compassionate client service while aggressively pursuing justice for families affected by medical negligence. With a focus on delivering results, we fight tirelessly to hold negligent providers accountable for their actions.
We take pride in our proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts that help families cover medical expenses and long-term care costs. Every case receives the personalized attention it deserves, with our team tailoring strategies to meet your unique needs. When you choose us, you gain trusted advocates who are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your family.
White Marsh Birth Injury FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for birth injury claims in Maryland?
Maryland law under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-109 typically allows families three years from the discovery of a birth injury to file a claim. This discovery rule is particularly important in birth injury cases, where the full extent of harm may not be immediately apparent after delivery. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that you meet critical deadlines and preserve your family’s right to pursue compensation.
If the injury was not discovered right away, the law provides additional flexibility, but delays can make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong case. For example, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony may become harder to obtain over time. Early action helps your attorney uncover the truth and strengthens your claim against negligent providers.
What compensation can I recover in a birth injury case?
Families affected by birth injuries may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These can include medical expenses for treatments, rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive devices, as well as compensation for lost income or reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or the emotional toll on your family, are also recoverable, although Maryland’s cap on these damages is subject to annual adjustment.
For example, compensation may account for lifelong care needs like specialized education or modifications to your home to accommodate mobility challenges. Your attorney will evaluate all current and future costs to ensure your child’s needs are fully addressed. This thorough assessment is essential to securing the financial stability your family deserves.
How do I prove negligence caused the birth injury?
Proving negligence requires showing that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, directly resulting in harm to your child. This process often involves gathering evidence such as medical records, delivery logs, and fetal monitoring data to identify mistakes like delayed C-sections or improper use of delivery tools. Expert testimony is also crucial to explain how these errors deviated from standard medical practices.
For instance, if a doctor ignored signs of fetal distress or failed to address a prolonged labor, this could constitute negligence. Your attorney will consult with medical experts to establish how these actions, or lack of action, caused preventable harm. This meticulous approach ensures a compelling case is presented on your family’s behalf.
Reach Out to Our Reputable Birth Injury Attorneys in White Marsh for Help Today
When your child’s birth injury has left your family searching for answers, you deserve legal advocates who truly care. A skilled White Marsh birth injury lawyer with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. can guide you through every step of your case and help you hold negligent medical providers accountable. Call our office or complete our secure contact form today to schedule your free consultation and explore how we can support your family during this difficult time.