Having a child is usually a cause for celebration, but unfortunately, birth injuries occur due to negligence on the part of the doctor, nurse, or someone else on the hospital staff. Most medical professionals know whether certain pregnancy threats exist before the deliver. Birth injuries can cause such conditions as cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia, lifelong conditions that will plague your child and cost you money. If you suspect that someone was careless during the birth, you can sue to receive compensation for you and your child.
The first thing you should do is consult a lawyer that specializes in seeking damages for medical malpractice. Ask them how many cases they have had concerning medical malpractice. You may even want to ask them what type of compensation they have gotten for past clients. Do not let a lawyer intimidate you into not asked questions such as these. If, for any reason, a lawyer does not answer the questions, find another one. The lawyer should be willing to answer any and all questions you have about the case.
Once you hire a lawyer, he or she will request to look at the child’s medical records (including neonatal records), fetal heart monitor strip, labor records, delivery records, and newborn records as well as images from ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Common examples of birth injuries that can occur during labor may include bleeding, umbilical cord problems, a breech birth, fetal distress, and delay in decision to perform a cesarean section. If the lawyer can see where the doctor or staff delayed a response or made an improper response to an emergency situation or unexpected complication, you may have case. The lawyer will advise you of all the options available.
Birth injuries are horrific, but if it was caused by medical malpractice, you should receive the compensation you deserve.