The miracle of childbirth can quickly turn into a nightmare when a beloved newborn suffers a birth injury. These injuries, often caused by medical negligence, leave families grappling with emotional distress and a lifetime of medical needs. If you suspect your child’s birth injury could have been prevented, seeking legal counsel from an experienced Alabama birth injury lawyer is crucial.
Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz understands the immense challenges families face after a birth injury. Our team of dedicated legal professionals has a proven track record of securing compensation for families throughout Alabama who have suffered due to medical malpractice.
What Is A Birth Injury?
A birth injury is any physical or neurological damage sustained by a baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and lifelong. Some of the most common birth injuries include:
- Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination.
- Erb’s palsy: Damage to nerves in the arm and shoulder, causing weakness, paralysis, or lack of feeling.
- Brachial plexus injuries: Affecting nerves in the shoulder, arm, and hand, resulting in weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow.
- Caput succedaneum: Swelling on the scalp due to pressure during delivery, typically harmless and temporary.
- Cephalhematoma: Bleeding between the skull and scalp, usually resolves on its own.
- Fractures: Broken bones, more common in breech presentations or difficult deliveries.
Causes Of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur due to various factors, but often stem from medical negligence. This negligence can take many forms, including:
- Failure to monitor the mother or fetus: During pregnancy and labor, continuous monitoring is vital to detect potential complications. Neglecting to do so can lead to missed opportunities to intervene and prevent injury.
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction: These instruments can be helpful during delivery but must be used with utmost care. Improper use can cause serious neurological damage.
- Delayed C-section: In certain situations, a timely C-section can be life-saving for both mother and baby. Failing to perform a C-section when medically necessary can cause oxygen deprivation and other complications.
- Medication errors: Incorrect medication dosages or administering the wrong medication can harm the fetus or newborn.
- Failure to diagnose or treat maternal infections: Untreated infections can spread to the baby, causing serious health problems.
The Importance Of An Alabama Birth Injury Lawyer
The aftermath of a birth injury can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, and families struggle to adjust to a new reality. An Alabama birth injury lawyer at Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz can help navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Here’s how we can assist you: Read Navigating the Complexities Alabama Birth Injury Lawyer to learn more.
- Free consultation: During a confidential consultation, we will review your case, answer your questions, and determine if medical negligence may be a factor.
- Thorough investigation: Our team will meticulously investigate your case, gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts.
- Building a strong case: We’ll work tirelessly to establish a clear link between medical negligence and your child’s birth injury.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We have the experience and skills to negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
- Aggressively pursuing litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Compensation For Birth Injuries
Compensation in an Alabama birth injury case can cover a wide range of expenses, including:
- Medical bills: Past, present, and future medical costs associated with treating your child’s birth injury.
- Therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other necessary therapies.
- Special needs equipment: Adaptive devices, wheelchairs, and other equipment that can improve your child’s quality of life.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to caring for your child, compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: The emotional and physical pain your child endures.
Why Choose Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz?
At Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to Alabama families affected by birth injuries. Our team offers the following benefits:
- Experienced Alabama birth injury lawyers: Our lawyers have a proven track record of success, securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We have in-depth knowledge of Alabama medical malpractice laws and extensive experience litigating birth injury cases.
- Compassionate approach: We understand the profound emotional toll a birth injury takes on families. Our team is sensitive to your needs and provides personalized attention throughout the legal process.
- National resources: While we are firmly rooted in Alabama, we have access to a network of national resources, including medical specialists and financial experts, to strengthen your case.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
If your child has suffered a birth injury in Alabama, don’t hesitate to contact Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let our experienced Alabama birth injury lawyers fight for the compensation your family deserves to secure your child’s future.
We understand that no amount of money can undo the pain of a birth injury, but securing compensation can help provide your child with the best possible medical care and improve their quality of life. Contact Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz
What is the difference between a birth defect and a birth injury?
Birth defects are problems that develop during pregnancy due to genetic or environmental factors. Birth injuries, however, occur during labor and delivery due to medical negligence or complications.
How soon do I need to file a birth injury lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of your child’s injury to file a birth injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure proper evidence gathering and case preparation.
How much does it cost to hire an Alabama birth injury lawyer?
At Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
What evidence is needed to prove a birth injury case?
Strong birth injury cases rely on a combination of evidence, including:
- Medical records documenting the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and your child’s birth injury.
- Expert witness testimony from medical professionals who can establish a link between medical negligence and your child’s injury.
- Evidence of the damages you have incurred, such as medical bills, therapy costs, and lost wages.
What are my chances of winning a birth injury lawsuit in Alabama?
Every case is unique, and the success rate depends on the specific circumstances. However, an experienced Alabama birth injury lawyer at Ask The Law Doc – Gershon Willoughby & Getz can assess your case and advise you on the likelihood of success.
