Birth Injury
1. What is a birth injury and how does it occur?
Birth injuries can be caused by mistakes made by doctors or hospitals in a number of different ways which could include:
* Excessive force used in the delivery of the baby including the use of forceps;
* A delay in the performance of a necessary C-section;
* Failing to recognize on a timely basis that the baby is in distress;
* Depriving the baby of oxygen during the delivery;
* Failure to order specific tests during pregnancy and/or not properly interpreting tests; or
* Lack of oxygen to the brain or trauma to the head during labor and delivery.
2. What problems are associated with birth injuries:
Because the types and degrees of birth injuries are so varied, the
problems associated with these injuries can be quite different. The
problems associated with birth injuries could include:
* Mental and physical developmental problems having lifetime implications;
* Brain damage;
* Respiratory Problems;
* Cerebral Palsy which is a brain disorder that
can cause problems affecting a person's ability to control muscles,
walk, use one's arms and legs and may result in seizures and decreased
mental abilities; or
* Erb's Palsy which is an injury resulting in the
compression of a person's brachial plexus nerves that control various
arm functions. Often times a person who has Erb's palsy can develop arm
length retardation as they grow.
3. If my child suffered a birth injury what should I do?
It is extremely important to have an experienced medical malpractice
injury attorney who has expertise in the handling and presentation of
birth injury cases.
An attorney should be contacted immediately if one suspects that the birth injuries were caused by medical negligence.
4. How do I go about getting experts to help me with my case?
Your attorney will be able to suggest a team of experts that can range
from private investigators to doctors to economists to help develop
your case.
5. Who will pay the expenses of hiring all of these experts?
In most cases, the law firm or attorneys will advance all costs and
expenses of the case as they are incurred. Once the case is concluded,
they would be reimbursed for their costs out of the recovery. In some
states, even if there is no recovery, the client is still responsible
for the costs and expenses of the case even though the client owes no
legal fees. In other states, if there is no recovery, the client will
owe nothing for the costs and expenses, which will be absorbed by the
law firm or attorney.
6. Why should I contact SelectCounsel, LLC about my case?
SelectCounsel, LLC has access to attorneys who are considered to be
among the best in their area of practice throughout the United States.
SelectCounsel, LLC can refer you to one of the best law firms in your
area and arrange for a free consultation for you to speak with one of
those lawyers.
