When complications during labor and delivery cause a child to suffer serious injuries, it can be tragic and life-altering for new parents. When your child suffers conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or cerebral palsy (CP) during birth, it can result in emotional turmoil for them and the family.
A skilled birth injury attorney traverses the medical and legal aspects to advocate for families in such trying times and seek justice. But that’s not all a birth injury attorney does.
Handling Devastating Diagnosis
When birth complications lead to asphyxia (oxygen deprivation), brachial plexus injuries, fractures, or other injuries, they are shocking diagnoses no parent expects. But, attorneys specializing in birth trauma understand the heartbreak.
They are sympathetic listeners who allow parents to share their experiences and grief. They also explain complex medical issues in plain language and translate technical details for understanding. Most importantly, a birth injury attorney advocates vigorously on parents’ behalf until they find closure.
Establishing Accountability
Most hospital staff aim to deliver babies safely, but regrettable mistakes do happen. An attorney meticulously reviews delivery records, notes, and staff statements, looking for lapses.
They determine if failure to monitor appropriately, respond to fetal distress signs, or perform essential procedures may have directly resulted in infant injuries. Proving liability holds responsible parties accountable.
Supporting Medical Care Needs
The most immediate concern following a birth injury is the newborn’s extensive medical requirements. But even routine medical decisions can be too much for grieving parents. An attorney ensures the child can access every treatment, therapy, and service specialists recommend without costs preventing care.
They understand insurance issues and maintain open communication with providers to authorize all care promptly as the child’s needs evolve. Attorneys provide committed guidance through the emotional process, ask important questions, and ensure the focus stays on the baby’s needs.
In addition, they liaise with pediatric specialists, manage complex insurance matters, and authorize in-home services.
Securing Compensation
Far-reaching injuries during birth often correlate to enormous lifetime costs. A birth injury attorney fights to compensate clients for medical bills, therapies, living expenses, lost earning abilities, and more through settlement or verdict.
An attorney has experience valuing damages, reconstructing the incident using OB-GYN board-certified experts, and obtaining compensation for the child’s needs for a productive life.
Pursuing Reform
While money can never undo the harm, preventable birth injuries should not happen to others. Attorneys deliver accountability beyond individual clients through policy reform advocacy. They encourage hospitals to enhance safety protocols, training, and informed consent procedures to avoid future distressing outcomes.
A Birth Injury Attorney Should Be Compassionate
Representing families in their darkest hours demands utmost empathy, caring, and discretion from counsel. Attorneys see clients through tears of sadness, anger, fear, and hope. Then, they offer legal options with patience, empathy, and support. They advocate tirelessly until every avenue achieves justice and solace for families.
Key Takeaway
When medical errors disrupt infant delivery dreams, birth injury law exists to fight for the future. Seasoned attorneys leverage expertise, resources, and compassion to pursue accountability, coverage, and reform – easing overwhelmed families’ load. If you suspect that your baby suffered injury through negligence, seek the help of a birth injury attorney as soon as you can.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
heather says
This is am important post for new parents to read. I used to know someone with a birth injury.
Elizabeth says
It’s a heartrending situation all around!
Audrey Stewart says
I read about a girl, daughter of a celebrity who had her baby at home. I would never do that. I would be so afraid.
mami2jcn says
This is good information to have. My niece has cerebral palsy, although very mild.