Welcoming your child into the world should be a wonderful moment for you and your family. Unfortunately, that joyous feeling could turn into devastation if something goes wrong during the delivery, leaving your newborn with potentially lifelong complications. If your child has suffered such harm and you suspect negligence, a Mount Dora birth injury lawyer at Largey Law Firm could explain your legal options.
Our medical malpractice attorneys understand your feelings of helplessness, and as a parent, you want to do everything you can for your children. Although we cannot undo the damage, we could help you file a claim to recover financial compensation on behalf of your child.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
It is important to distinguish between birth injuries and birth defects. A birth defect is an abnormality that develops during pregnancy, but a birth injury is physical damage to the baby during delivery. Genetics, environmental factors, or infections often cause unavoidable defects, but negligent handling of the birthing process typically causes injuries. In other words, birth injuries are entirely avoidable through proper care.
The most common injury is broken bones, typically in the collarbone, neck, or head. Improper use of forceps or other tools supposed to aid delivery usually causes fractures. Generally, these injuries are minor, but they may lead to further complications.
For instance, a brachial plexus injury is damage to the nerves in the arms and hands that occurs when the shoulder twists into an awkward position. Symptoms may include muscle weakness and a loss of feeling in the arm. Oxygen deprivation to the child’s brain during birth causes cerebral palsy, another serious and often permanent injury.
Even a minor injury to your child during delivery can cause you significant anxiety. However, if the case is severe, an attorney in Mount Dora could assess your child’s birth injury and advise you on the appropriate course of action. If the injury results in lifelong complications, parents may be able to take legal action.
What Can You Do for Your Child?
A person must be over 18 to file a lawsuit; however, state law allows a parent or legal guardian to file a medical malpractice claim on a child’s behalf. This is how parents can recover the compensation their kids need, including damages for current and future medical treatment, and ongoing personal assistance, if necessary.
Like all claims, there is a time limit to file, called the statute of limitations. This is usually two years from the date of the incident for medical malpractice claims, but there is a special rule for minors. The two-year window does not start until they are 18, so parents do not have to wait to file a case. Regardless, you can seek legal advice as soon as possible from an injury attorney in Mount Dora if your child is suffering from complications due to birth trauma.
Speak With a Mount Dora Attorney About Your Child’s Birth Injury
Bringing your newborn into the world should be a happy event, but that can turn into tragedy if the doctor or nursing staff fail in their duty of care. A Mount Dora birth injury lawyer could help you recover financial compensation on behalf of your child.
We understand that this is a very difficult time for you and your family, and we could provide support throughout the process. Call our team at Largey Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
