Charlottesville Birth Injury Attorney
There is no experience or joy quite like giving birth to a new baby. And for parents, the most important thing in the world is that the new baby is healthy and well. While most babies are born without complications, the malpractice on the part of a doctor can lead to birth injuries. If your baby has suffered a birth injury that could have been prevented, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Charlottesville birth injury attorneys at the law office of MichieHamlett. We are here to advocate for you and your family!
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are injuries that happen to a fetus or newborn during or immediately before or after the birthing process. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
- Brachial palsy injuries, which are injuries to a group of nerves within the shoulder;
- Bone fractures;
- Swelling or bruising of the head;
- Eye blood vessel breakage;
- Facial nerve injuries;
- Traumatic brain injury; and
- Bleeding underneath the cranial bones.
While most of the above injuries will heal–many fully–with time, others will cause lasting complications. For example, a brain injury caused as a result of oxygen deprivation may have permanent implications on a child’s (and their parents’) life.
Birth Injuries and Medical Malpractice
There are numerous factors that increase the risk of birth injury, some of which are not in the control of a doctor. These include:
- A mother’s health condition;
- The size and weight of the baby;
- The position of the baby (i.e. breech);
- Premature birth;
- Cesarean delivery;
- Use of certain devices, such as vacuum extractors or forceps;
- Prolonged labor.
Sometimes, medical malpractice increases the risk of a birth injury. For example, the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, failure to properly monitor mom and baby, failure to perform an emergency cesarean section when necessary, pulling or tugging on a baby’s arms or shoulders when trying to free them from the birth canal, and more are can all lead to preventable newborn injuries.
Your Rights
If you believe that your child’s birth injury would not have been incurred but for the malpractice of your doctor, you maintain the right to bring forth a claim for damages. In your claim, you can seek compensation for medical expenses and a variety of other economic and noneconomic losses. Our lawyers can help you to prove that a breach of the medical standard of care occurred, and that this breach was the proximate cause of harm.
Call Our Charlottesville Birth Injury Lawyers Today
At the law office of MichieHamlett, we know how emotional it is to learn that your newborn has suffered a preventable injury, and we believe this is something no parent should ever have to go through. To learn more about our legal services and how we can help you, please call our birth injury attorneys directly today to schedule a free consultation. We can travel to your location, and always work on a contingency fee basis.
