Birth Injuries
The birth of a baby is a time of hope and joy, but medical mistakes during labor or delivery can result in a birth injury that may alter the course of your child’s life. Birth injuries can range from minor conditions that heal quickly to severe conditions that require lifelong medical care. If you believe that your child’s injury was the result of medical negligence, Legal Help in Colorado’s experienced birth injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Are Birth Injuries?
A birth injury occurs when a baby experiences harm before, during, or shortly after delivery due to complications in the birthing process. While certain injuries may be inevitable, many are avoidable and stem from medical errors or negligence. When healthcare professionals fail to provide proper care during labor or delivery, it can lead to significant physical or neurological harm to the child, often with long-term consequences.
Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and forceps delivery complications. These injuries can have lasting effects on a child’s health, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. In many cases, birth injuries are avoidable if the medical team follows the standard of care and responds quickly to complications during delivery.
Common Types of Medical Negligence Leading to Birth Injuries
Failure to monitor fetal distress
Doctors and nurses are required to closely monitor the baby’s heart rate during labor. If they fail to notice signs of fetal distress and take corrective action, the baby can suffer critical harm.
Delayed cesarean section
When labor isn’t progressing or the baby is in distress, a timely C-section may be necessary. Delays in performing the procedure can lead to injuries like brain damage from oxygen deprivation.
Improper use of medical tools
Tools like forceps or vacuum extractors should be used carefully and only according to the standard guidelines when medically necessary. Misuse can result in severe trauma to the baby’s head and body.
Failure to treat umbilical cord complications
The umbilical cord is essential for providing the baby with oxygen and nutrients. If complications arise, such as a prolapsed or compressed cord, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent harm to the baby.
Legal Recourse for Birth Injuries
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm caused. Birth injury cases are a type of medical malpractice claim, so your legal team must prove that the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care and directly caused the injury. Compensation can help cover the costs of:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical care your child may need due to the injury.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain your child endures.
- Lost wages and future care costs: If the birth injury affects your ability to work or will require lifelong care, compensation can help provide financial stability.
The legal process for pursuing a birth injury claim involves gathering extensive medical records, consulting with experts to understand the cause and extent of the injury, and building a strong case to hold the negligent party accountable. Our team has the expertise to guide you through every step of the process so you can receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Take Action Today
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced birth trauma lawyers help you fight for justice on behalf of your child. You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here to stand by your side and provide the expert legal guidance you need.
Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Dedicated.
We are your personal injury team.
Available 24/7 to take your call: (720) 743-3682