The birth of a child is typically an exciting and hopeful moment in the lives of new parents. However, injuries that occur during labor or delivery can alter the trajectory of parents and children alike. When doctor errors lead to birth injuries, a dedicated medical malpractice attorney can help.
Your child deserves financial compensation following an avoidable medical error, but holding the at-fault party responsible for a birth injury can be difficult, especially if you do it on your own. A Morrow birth injury lawyer can provide you with the best chance at securing compensation for your child.
Who is At Fault For Birth Injuries?
There are many ways that negligence from a medical professional can lead to, or exacerbate, a birth-related injury. In fact, many of these errors do not occur during labor or delivery at all. A mistake or misdiagnosis early on in pregnancy could result in dangerous health consequences for the plaintiff or the child.
It is possible to pursue a successful birth injury lawsuit against doctors, nurses, or administrators, depending on how the error occurred. A Morrow birth injury attorney can use evidence and personal testimony to make the strongest possible case for compensation against a negligent medical professional.
Doctors and Surgeons
Ultimately, responsibility for the wellness of a patient and a child lies with their doctor. Their doctor has an obligation to provide them with the minimum standard of care throughout the pregnancy up until the child is delivered. Unfortunately, they do not always meet this standard. A birth injury might occur if the doctor fails to check for harmful drug interactions, misdiagnoses a dangerous medical condition, or causes a physical injury due to negligent delivery of the baby.
Nurses
The nursing staff could also be responsible for a negligent error that results in a birth injury. Nurses are often tasked with monitoring the patient and child when a doctor is not present. Failing to identify signs of distress or other concerns could lead to permanent damage to a child or put the patient at risk.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities can also be at fault for labor and delivery injuries. This can occur when negligent hiring practices result in an unqualified nurse or doctor being put in a position they should not be in. Another example is when the recordkeeping practices of the facility result in a mix-up that has dangerous consequences. A Morrow birth negligence attorney has the resources to investigate possible facility error.
Legal Deadlines for Birth Injury Lawsuits
Like all personal injury lawsuits, there is a deadline that applies to filing birth injury claims. The consequences of ignoring this deadline are significant, as it will likely lead to the court dismissing the case without the opportunity for compensation. The deadline in these cases is known as the statute of limitations.
Typically, the statute of limitations for an injury in Georgia is two years from the date the injury occurs. However, the deadline for minors can be extended for a period of time. A Morrow birth injury lawyer can keep track of these deadlines and ensure a plaintiff does not wait too long to file their lawsuit.
Call a Morrow Birth Injury Attorney to Discuss a Lawsuit
Pursuing a legal challenge without an attorney is extremely difficult. It will be even more challenging if you have a young child at home who needs special care. Childers, Schlueter & Smith can take that burden off of you.
Let a Morrow birth injury lawyer help you identify your options and make the next move. Reach out to us and schedule a free consultation.
