A Law Career

Understanding What A Birth Injury Attorney Does And How They Can Help You

by Ruby Mckinney

When it comes to medical negligence surrounding a birth injury, it can be difficult to know where to begin when choosing an attorney. With all the specialized fields in law, you may even wonder what category your issue will fall under. Contacting an attorney who specializes in birth injuries is an important step in determining what compensation you may be eligible to receive and how to file a claim.

What is a birth injury attorney?

A birth injury attorney works for those who have been harmed because of negligence that occurs during the birth process. Birth injuries are different than other injuries that may occur as the result of an automobile accident or work-related duties. In fact, some birth injuries may not appear until weeks or months after birth and can affect the quality of life of the individual for years or even a lifetime.

What does a birth injury attorney do?

A birth injury attorney works with families or individuals to build a case against health care workers, such as doctors, midwives, and nurses who helped deliver a child and were involved in negligence at any time during the labor and delivery process. They will gather medical evidence to support your case, including obtaining medical records and gathering witness testimonies. They will see that your case gets filed in the appropriate court and work to help you get financial compensation you deserve. 

What is an example of a birth injury?

Medical negligence can take many forms, which is why obtaining a birth injury attorney is vital when filing a birth injury case. Some common types of negligence include improperly administering medications or anesthetics during labor and delivery, damage that occurs when using forceps or extractors during delivery, or failing to accurately diagnose an infection or other medical emergency during the birthing process. Cerebral palsy, brain damage, infant hematoma, or spinal cord injuries can occur as the result of negligent deliveries.

Contacting a birth injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve when your child sustains an injury related to negligence at the time of birth. This financial compensation can help cover ongoing medical costs, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, surgeries, or other unforeseen costs that is necessary to manage the condition caused by the trauma acquired during the birthing process. You may also seek to be compensated for any emotional or mental health issues that develop due to the birth injury. 

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