One of the happiest events in a parent’s life should be the birth of their child. However, the fallout from a medical error causing things to go wrong during labour or delivery can be terrible. Should medical malpractice cause injuries to your kid, you should see a Buffalo birth injury attorney who will advocate for your family’s rights and ensure the payment you are due. At O’Brien & Ford, we understand the emotional toll a birth injury causes and are here to gently and compassionately lead you through this trying period.
Navigating Buffalo Birth Injury Attorney Claims & Lawsuits
Should you feel that a medical practitioner’s error resulted in injury to your child, early action can make all the difference in your case? Here is the information you should know:
- Gather Medical Records: Your child’s medical records tell the story of what happened during labor and delivery.
- Speak with Medical Experts: A birth injury claim often requires input from specialists who can assess whether the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the expected standard of care.
- File Your Claim on Time: Birth injury cases in New York have strict deadlines. Filing within the legal time frame is essential to protecting your right to pursue compensation.
- Understand the Full Scope of Damages: Birth injuries can lead to lifelong medical needs. Compensation can cover hospital bills, therapy, assistive devices, and even lost future wages if your child requires long-term care.
- Hire a Lawyer Who Cares: A dedicated attorney will handle the legal complexities of your case while you focus on your child’s well-being.
What Qualifies as a Birth Injury?
A birth injury usually results from a medical error a newborn suffers before, during, or soon after delivery. Common birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy: This condition affects movement and muscle control, often due to lack of oxygen during birth.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy): When too much force is used during delivery, the nerves in the baby’s shoulder and arm can be damaged.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): If a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen and blood flow during birth, brain damage can occur.
- Bone Fractures: Difficult deliveries can sometimes lead to broken bones, especially in the collarbone.
- Facial Paralysis: If too much pressure is applied to the baby’s face during delivery, nerve damage can occur.
Exploring Your Legal Options with a Buffalo Birth Injury Lawyer
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you’re not alone. A birth injury lawyer can help you understand your options and take action. Here’s how we can assist:
- Finding the Cause: We work with medical professionals to investigate whether a preventable error caused your child’s injury.
- Determining the Long-Term Impact: Birth injuries can affect a child’s development and quality of life for years to come.
- Securing Maximum Compensation: We fight to recover every dollar your family needs—whether it’s for medical expenses, rehabilitation, specialized education, or emotional suffering.
- Holding Negligent Providers Accountable: Medical professionals and hospitals have a duty to provide proper care.
Birth Injury Claim Deadlines
If you are considering legal action, timing is critical. New York law sets strict deadlines for birth injury claims:
- For Minors: Parents typically have until their child turns 10 years old to file a claim, but acting sooner helps preserve vital evidence.
- Delayed Discovery Rule: Some birth injuries aren’t immediately noticeable. If an issue is discovered later, you may still have a legal right to file a claim.
- Wrongful Death Cases: If a birth injury tragically results in death, parents have two years from the date of passing to pursue legal action.
How Medical Malpractice Contributes to Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often preventable, but medical negligence can make them a heartbreaking reality. Some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Doctors and nurses must carefully track a baby’s heart rate during labor.
- Improper Use of Delivery Tools: When used incorrectly, they can cause skull fractures, nerve damage, or other serious injuries.
- Medication Errors: Drugs used to induce labor, such as Pitocin, must be administered in precise amounts.
- Delays in Performing a C-Section: When labor isn’t progressing safely, doctors may need to perform an emergency C-section.
Compassionate Legal Advocacy for Buffalo Birth Trauma Cases
At O’Brien & Ford, we know how challenging it can be to face the reality of a birth injury. As parents, you want the best for your child, and we want that too. That’s why we fight tirelessly to help families in Buffalo get the compensation they need to provide the best possible care for their children.
Speak with a Buffalo Birth Injury Lawyer Today
Your child deserves the best possible future. If you suspect that medical negligence led to their birth injury, don’t wait to take action. Contact O’Brien & Ford today for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for the justice your family deserves.