The birth of a child is an exciting time for any family. You may be overjoyed at the prospect of a new member of your family, but you may experience a dampening of your joy when you learn that your child was born with a birth injury. Injuries that happen during the birth process can result in pain, suffering and complications that will follow your child the rest of his or her life.
There are many reasons why birth injuries happen, and sometimes, these reasons are grounds for a claim against a medical professional. Sadly, many birth injuries are the result of medical negligence or the decisions that a doctor or nurse makes during the delivery process. If your child has one of these injuries, you may find it beneficial to learn about your legal options as soon as possible.
The information you need
It is overwhelming to find out that your child has a birth injury. One moment you are rejoicing about his or her arrival, and the next you are trying to figure what his or her issues will mean for years to come. You could be looking at extensive medical care, financial concerns and much more. Some of the following information may be useful to you as you move forward:
- A birth defect is different from a birth injury, with defects being something that develop while the child is still in the womb.
- Even with a clear birth injury, it does not necessarily mean that you have a case.
- Birth injuries may be the result of a doctor’s failure to act, wrong decision during birth and improper interventions.
If you believe that the doctor or other care provider is the reason your child has a birth injury, you may have a case. Money won through a claim can be set aside for your child’s needs, medical care necessary now and care he or she may need in the future.
What’s next for your family?
You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next after learning that your child was born with a birth injury. Your family does not have to walk through this difficult process alone. You may find it beneficial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. These cases are time sensitive, and it is smart to act quickly.