There are few things more tragic than when something goes wrong during childbirth. While some conditions are unavoidable, many newborns suffer life-altering injuries because of the negligence of their medical care providers.
If your family has been devastated by your baby’s injury due to medical negligence, now is the time to talk with a Fort Washington birth injury lawyer. You could be entitled to financial compensation, but a successful claim can be challenging to come by on your own. Reach out to a dedicated medical malpractice attorney to learn more about how we advocate for you and your child at this difficult time.
Common Birth Injuries
There are numerous potentially harmful conditions that can result from negligent care during childbirth. They can occur as the result of oxygen deprivation, physical injuries, or the failure to watch for signs of fetal distress.
Cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy are two of the most common consequences of medical mistakes at birth. Cerebral palsy involves motor skill impairments caused by oxygen deprivation at birth, while Erb’s palsy includes nerve damage at the time of delivery, which turns into arm weakness or even paralysis.
In more serious cases, a newborn could suffer bone fractures due to a rough delivery or the misuse of forceps, and even brain injuries are possible due to a negligent delivery. These conditions can put a strain on your finances, as well as your child’s future, but with the help of a Fort Washington birth injury attorney, compensation could be available for any of these conditions.
How Birth Injuries Happen
Ultimately, a case for compensation is possible when an act of negligence leads to a birth injury. There are different circumstances where the carelessness of a doctor or other medical professional can have profound consequences. Some of the most common examples that we see including the following.
Delayed C-Section
One of the most common causes of injuries at birth is the failure to recognize and react to signs of fetal distress. If the baby is receiving a lack of oxygen, it may be necessary to perform an emergency c-section right away. The failure to act in time can lead to life-altering health issues.
Forceps Injuries
The use of forceps to deliver a child can cause a variety of serious physical injuries, such as damage to the brain, spine, and facial nerves. The improper use of other birthing techniques can pose some similar issues.
Failure to Diagnose
An important part of prenatal care is identifying any medical issues facing the mother. The failure to diagnose gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can cause serious harm to the child, and potentially the mother as well.
Deadlines for Filing a Birth Injury Lawsuit
There are limits on the amount of time that injury victims have to file a personal injury lawsuit. While birth injuries are no exception, plaintiffs often have more time to pursue legal action compared to other types of cases. The standard statute of limitations typically expires after two years, and in most situations, this two-year window starts to count down on the date of the injury. That is not the case for birth injuries, as the clock doesn’t start to run until the child’s 18th birthday. This means most people have until the day they reach the age of 20 to file suit.
Complying with this deadline is crucial, as missing it can mean losing out on any chance for compensation. A Fort Washington attorney can ensure that the birth injury lawsuit is filed on time so your family has a chance at the financial security you desperately need.
Talk to a Birth Injury Attorney in Fort Washington Today
If your child was injured during birth or is living with health conditions due to negligent prenatal treatment, they could be entitled to financial compensation for the harm that has followed and will continue to follow them. The sooner you speak with Friedman Schuman Layser, the better your chances are of securing the verdict or settlement they deserve.
Let our Fort Washington birth injury lawyers serve as your devoted advocates. Reach out as soon as possible to discuss your legal options during a private consultation.