Birth Injuries and Your Rights

When you suspect that your newborn or growing child could have cerebral palsy, it’s understandable that you may want to speak with a Marietta, GA birth injury lawyer to figure out if medical malpractice was the culprit. Despite doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals getting into the field to reduce suffering and save lives, there are times when their mistakes cause others harm or death. Our dedicated team at Johnson & Alday, LLC knows that you may have some serious concerns and anxieties about the future. If you wonder if a doctor’s error led to your child’s cerebral palsy or other birth-related injury, please reach out to us right away.

Growing Up With Cerebral Palsy

Raising a child who has cerebral palsy can be overwhelming for the child and family member’s alike, as growing up with this condition means there will be certain limitations. Cerebral palsy is not reversible and it cannot be cured, so the focus of any birth injury lawsuit is on ensuring the child gets the highest quality life possible. Your child may need frequent medical exams, physical therapy, and other accommodations for accessibility. This type of added assistance can create a financial hardship for families, who just want to be able to give their child the happiest life imaginable. As your Marietta birth injury lawyer can explain over a consultation, once we know your situation and assess evidence, we can advise whether taking legal action against an offending medical professional is warranted.

Damages For Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit

Medical errors that can be linked to the development of cerebral palsy include failing to detect umbilical cord issues, failing to detect fetal distress, failing to properly treat maternal infections, improperly using birth delivery tools, or excessively pulling on the child’s arm, neck, head, or shoulder. There may be several types of damages that you are eligible to receive in a birth injury lawsuit, such as costs for surgery, hospitalization, prescription medication, medical equipment, emergency room visits, physical therapy, pain and suffering, diminished earning potential in the future, and more. Parents may also need to take time away from work and other obligations to care for their children with cerebral palsy. Once we learn more about what has happened, we can offer advice on how to proceed. Don’t hesitate to contact our law firm at your next convenience to reserve a consultation appointment.

Contact Our Team Today

Every parent and child deserves to be healthy and happy, so when a medical professional commits a grave mistake that changes the course of a family’s future, it’s worth considering your legal options. Holding a medical professional liable for how your child’s health has been adversely affected cannot undo what has been done, but it can provide a monetary foundation so that you can properly care for your child now and as they grow older. If you have questions, a Marietta birth injury lawyer is prepared to meet with you and answer them. The team at Johnson & Alday, LLC is ready to take your call and come to your aid.

If your child suffered injuries during the labor and delivery process, it is essential to speak with a Marietta, GA birth injury lawyer. A lawyer from Johnson & Alday, LLC can help you pursue a timely claim against the negligent parties. Your family deserves justice.

Understanding Birth Injuries:

Birth injuries are injuries sustained by newborns during the birthing process. These injuries can be caused by medical negligence, improper care, or preventable medical errors. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, Erb's palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and fractures, among others. Such injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities and emotional distress for both the child and their family.

The Role of Birth Injury Lawyers:

Birth injury lawyers are legal professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in handling cases related to birth injuries. Their primary role is to advocate for families who believe their child's birth injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence. These dedicated attorneys work diligently to help families hold negligent medical professionals and institutions accountable for their actions.

Compassionate and Empathetic Approach:

Birth injury cases are emotionally charged, often involving significant trauma for the families involved. Birth injury lawyers understand the sensitivity of these situations and approach their clients with compassion and empathy. They take the time to listen to the families' concerns and provide emotional support throughout the legal process.

Thorough Investigation:

Birth injury lawyers conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the birth injury. They work closely with medical experts and specialists to analyze medical records, identify potential negligence, and build a strong case for their clients. This detailed analysis is crucial in establishing liability and seeking fair compensation for the affected families.

Navigating the Legal Process:

Birth injury cases are complicated, involving intricate legal procedures and medical jargon. A Marietta birth injury lawyer is well-versed in these intricacies, helping families through the legal process with clarity and transparency. They explain legal options, potential outcomes, and help families make informed decisions about their case.

Seeking Compensation:

Birth injury lawyers work hard to secure compensation for the financial and emotional burdens faced by the affected families. This may include medical expenses, ongoing therapy and rehabilitation costs, home modifications, assistive devices, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Negotiation and Litigation:

Experienced birth injury lawyers know how to negotiate and will try to reach a fair settlement with the responsible parties outside of court. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, they are fully prepared to take the case to trial. Their dedication to their clients' best interests drives them to fight tirelessly for justice and fair compensation.

Raising Awareness:

Besides their legal expertise, birth injury lawyers play a crucial role in raising awareness about birth injuries and medical malpractice. They shed light on the need for improved medical practices and protocols to prevent future birth injuries. By advocating for change, they contribute to a safer birthing environment for future generations.

Schedule a consultation with a Marietta birth injury lawyer from Johnson & Alday, LLC today.

How Birth Injuries Happen

When the birth of a child is overshadowed by a serious medical issue, it can be a traumatic experience for the parents and family, as a birth injury lawyer knows. Understanding the ways in which these injuries can happen is crucial for a well-informed approach to childbirth. This article explores four common scenarios that can lead to birth injuries and offers valuable insights into preventing these unfortunate occurrences.

Prolonged Labor and Delivery:

Prolonged labor, also known as dystocia, occurs when the labor process extends beyond the normal duration, potentially resulting in birth injuries like oxygen deprivation, fetal distress, and even brain damage. As a Marietta birth injury lawyer can explain, certain factors that can contribute to this include improper baby positioning, exhaustion and a lack of uterine contractions. To prevent this, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of regular prenatal care to monitor progress, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, and encouraging position changes during labor to facilitate optimal delivery positions.

Shoulder Dystocia:

Shoulder dystocia can happen when a baby’s head goes through the birth canal but their shoulders become stuck. This situation can lead to birth injuries involving nerve damage, fractures, and other complications. Healthcare providers can prevent this distressing scenario by identifying risk factors such as maternal diabetes and excessive fetal weight gain, and by using specialized techniques to maneuver the baby's shoulders during delivery, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

Instrument-Assisted Deliveries:

In certain cases, healthcare professionals may opt to use instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors to assist in the delivery process. In some cases healthcare professionals may decide to user particular instruments when they are assisting in a delivery of a child. While these tools are indeed useful, they also carry the risk of causing birth injuries such as bruising, swelling, and nerve damage. Effective prevention strategies involve the involvement of skilled medical personnel experienced in using these instruments safely. Ensuring that parents are well-informed about the potential risks and benefits of instrument-assisted deliveries empowers them to make informed decisions in collaboration with their medical team.

Medication and Anesthesia Complications:

The administration of medications or anesthesia during labor is common for pain management, yet complications can arise, including allergic reactions, side effects, and respiratory distress in newborns. Effective prevention strategies for these potential complications include fostering clear communication between medical teams and expectant parents. This communication ensures that medical history and preferences are taken into account during medication administration. Constant monitoring of both the mother and child whenever medication is given is another important component of care.

Connect With A Lawyer Now 

While birth injuries can cast a shadow on the joy of childbirth, understanding their potential causes empowers individuals to take proactive and preventive measures. By prioritizing regular prenatal care, utilizing appropriate delivery techniques, and promoting open communication between healthcare providers and parents, the risk of birth injuries can be significantly reduced. Each birth deserves to be a celebratory and safe experience, and by implementing these precautions, we move towards fostering positive and secure childbirth journeys. Find out how you can obtain the legal help that you need if you would like to file a birth injury claim with the assistance of a skilled Marietta birth injury lawyer like one from Johnson & Alday, LLC.