The joy of welcoming a newborn into the world can be overshadowed by the devastating news of a birth injury. Confusion and emotional distress are natural responses, and often, parents are left with unanswered questions about their legal options. Myths and misconceptions surrounding birth injury lawsuits can further complicate this challenging time. Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz, a team of experienced Atlanta birth injury attorneys, aims to dispel these myths and empower families with knowledge.
Myth #1: Birth Injuries Are Always Apparent at Birth
Many believe that birth injuries are immediately evident – a broken bone, for instance. However, some injuries, like Erb’s Palsy (affecting nerves and muscles in the arm) or Cerebral Palsy (a group of movement disorders), can take months or even years to manifest. Developmental delays or motor skill differences might be the first signs, prompting a doctor’s visit and potential diagnosis. If you suspect a birth injury, regardless of how much time has passed, consulting with an Atlanta birth injury attorney is crucial. Read Birth Injury Compensation with Atlanta Birth Injury Lawyer to learn more.
Myth #2: Birth Injuries Only Happen During Difficult Deliveries
The misconception that birth injuries are solely associated with complicated deliveries is a common one. In reality, injuries can occur during any type of birth, even seemingly routine deliveries. Medical professionals can make mistakes at various stages of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, leading to oxygen deprivation, fractures, or nerve damage. An Atlanta birth injury attorney can assess the specifics of your case to determine if medical negligence was a contributing factor.
Myth #3: There’s Nothing You Can Do If Your Child Has A Birth Injury
This is simply not true. While birth injuries are life-altering, legal recourse may be available to help your family secure the financial resources needed to provide your child with the best possible care. Treatment for birth injuries can be extensive and ongoing, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and potentially, specialized equipment. An Atlanta birth injury attorney can help navigate the legal complexities of birth injury lawsuits, potentially holding negligent medical professionals accountable and securing compensation for your child’s future needs.
Myth #4: Birth Injury Lawsuits Are Frivolous
Birth injury lawsuits are not frivolous attempts to exploit a medical mishap. These lawsuits aim to hold medical professionals accountable for preventable mistakes that result in lifelong consequences for a child. A successful birth injury lawsuit can provide the financial security a family needs to address their child’s medical needs, lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities, and any pain and suffering the child endures.
Myth #5: You Can’t Afford An Atlanta Birth Injury Attorney
At Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz, we understand the immense financial burden associated with a birth injury. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for your child. During a free consultation, an Atlanta birth injury attorney can discuss the specifics of your case and explain the fee structure in detail.
Myth #6: Filing a Lawsuit Will Damage Your Relationship With Your Doctor
The decision to pursue legal action is a personal one. Sometimes, the doctor-patient relationship can be salvageable, and an Atlanta birth injury attorney can help navigate communication with the medical provider. However, the priority is your child’s well-being, and securing the necessary compensation shouldn’t come at the expense of jeopardizing your ability to receive future medical care.
Myth #7: Birth Injury Cases Take Years To Resolve
The timeframe for resolving a birth injury lawsuit can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and the willingness of the involved parties to reach a settlement. An Atlanta birth injury attorney at Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz will work diligently to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and strive for a swift resolution whenever possible.
Taking the First Step: Consulting With An Atlanta Birth Injury Attorney
If you have concerns about a potential birth injury, contacting an Atlanta birth injury attorney at Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz is the first step towards securing the legal guidance and support you deserve. Our team of experienced professionals understands the complexities of birth injury law and the emotional toll such situations take on families. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explore your legal options. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Additional Considerations
- Statute of Limitations Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is typically two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. An Atlanta birth injury attorney can advise you on the specific time limit applicable to your case.
- Medical Records: When considering a birth injury lawsuit, it’s crucial to gather all relevant medical records, including prenatal care records, labor and delivery records, and any subsequent medical reports related to your child’s injury. An Atlanta birth injury attorney can assist you in obtaining these records and ensuring they are properly documented for your case.
- Finding the Right Attorney: Choosing the right Atlanta birth injury attorney is a critical decision. Look for an attorney with experience handling birth injury cases specifically. Ask about their track record, qualifications, and approach to client communication. During consultations, feel free to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable and confident with the attorney’s representation.
Conclusion
Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz is here for you. We understand that navigating a birth injury case can be overwhelming. Our Atlanta birth injury attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation, helping families secure the resources they need to move forward. Contact us today!
FAQs: Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz
What are some signs that my child might have a birth injury?
While some birth injuries are immediately noticeable, others may take time to develop. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Muscle weakness or paralysis in any part of the body
- Seizures
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Developmental delays in reaching milestones like rolling over, sitting, or crawling
- Vision or hearing problems
- Learning disabilities
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, consult a pediatrician right away.
How do I know if a medical professional was negligent in my child’s birth injury?
Birth injury cases involve complex medical evaluations. An Atlanta birth injury attorney can review your child’s medical records and consult with medical experts to determine if there was a deviation from the standard of care expected from medical professionals during your pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
What types of compensation can I recover in a birth injury lawsuit?
A successful birth injury lawsuit can help recover compensation for various expenses, including:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages due to caring for your child
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Special equipment or modifications to your home
- Pain and suffering your child endures
How much does it cost to hire an Atlanta birth injury attorney?
At Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for your child.
How long will a birth injury lawsuit take to resolve?
The timeframe for resolving a birth injury lawsuit can vary depending on the case’s complexity. An Atlanta birth injury attorney will work diligently to expedite the process whenever possible.
