New Jersey Birth Injury Lawyers

Representing Victims of Birth Injuries in New Jersey

Birth injuries, a subset of medical malpractice, occur when a newborn is harmed during or shortly after the birthing process. These injuries can result from various factors, including medical negligence, difficult labor, or the use of certain medical tools. The consequences of these injuries can be profound, affecting not just the physical health of the child but also the emotional well-being of the family.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

1. Brachial Plexus Injuries: Injuries to the nerves that control arm and hand movements, often caused by shoulder dystocia during delivery.
2. Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth, leading to impaired muscle coordination.
3. Perinatal Asphyxia: Occurs when the child doesn’t receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth, potentially causing neurological damage.
4. Bone Fractures: Commonly collarbone or clavicle fractures during a difficult delivery.
5. Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding inside the skull, often due to trauma during birth.

The Serious and Tragic Nature of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can have long-lasting effects on a child’s life. These injuries may lead to permanent disabilities, requiring lifelong medical care and therapy. The emotional and financial strain on families can be substantial, making it essential to seek justice and compensation for these traumatic experiences.

Responsibility and Legal Action

In birth injury cases, responsibility often lies with the medical professionals involved in the delivery process. This can include obstetricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, or healthcare facilities. If these professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected, resulting in injury, they may be held liable.

Proceeding with a Personal Injury Claim

Victims of birth injuries in New Jersey should consider the following steps:

1. Contact a Legal Professional: Reach out to Philly Injury Lawyer at (609) 627-6001. Our experienced attorneys specialize in birth injury cases and offer a “We Win or It’s Free”® guarantee.
2. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of medical appointments, treatments, and any related expenses.
3. Act Promptly: New Jersey has a statute of limitations for filing birth injury claims. It’s crucial to act swiftly to ensure your case is heard.

Negligence in Birth Injury Cases

Negligence in birth injury cases is a critical aspect of the legal process. It involves establishing that the healthcare providers failed to meet the standard of care expected in the medical community, directly leading to the birth injury. To prove negligence, several key elements must be established:

• Duty of Care: Demonstrating that the medical professionals had a duty to provide care to the mother and baby.
• Breach of Duty: Showing that the healthcare providers failed to adhere to the accepted standards of medical care.
• Causation: Linking the breach of duty directly to the injury sustained. This often requires expert medical testimony to establish the connection.
• Damages: Providing evidence of the harm or injury caused, including physical, emotional, and financial damages.

In birth injury cases, negligence can manifest in various forms, such as failing to anticipate birth complications, not responding appropriately to signs of fetal distress, improper use of birth-assisting tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, and failing to perform a necessary cesarean section in a timely manner. Legal counsel can help in collecting evidence, consulting medical experts, and building a strong case to demonstrate negligence.

Frequent Questions About Birth Injury Cases

1. What constitutes a birth injury? A birth injury refers to any harm or injury to a baby that occurs during labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. These injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting a child’s development and quality of life.
2. What are common types of birth injuries? Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, fractured bones, perinatal asphyxia, and intracranial hemorrhage.
3. How can I tell if my child has suffered a birth injury? Signs include abnormal crying, seizures, limpness, difficulty feeding, and developmental delays. Consult a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.
4. What steps should I take if I suspect my child has a birth injury? Document all medical treatments and symptoms, consult with medical specialists for a proper diagnosis, and seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney.
5. Is there a time limit to file a birth injury lawsuit in New Jersey? New Jersey law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but exceptions exist, especially for minors. It’s important to consult an attorney to understand specific time limits.
6. What kind of compensation can be sought in birth injury cases? Compensation can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future care expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
7. Who can be held responsible for a birth injury? Potential liable parties include obstetricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, hospitals, and other medical staff involved in the delivery process.
8. How does negligence factor into birth injury cases? Negligence in birth injury cases involves proving that the medical staff failed to provide the standard level of care, leading to the injury. This could include improper use of birth-assisting tools, failure to monitor fetal distress, or delay in performing necessary procedures like a cesarean section.
9. Do I need an attorney for a birth injury claim? While not mandatory, an attorney skilled in birth injury cases can provide valuable guidance, help gather evidence, and navigate the complex legal and medical issues involved.
10. How long does a birth injury lawsuit typically take in New Jersey? The duration can vary widely based on the case’s complexity, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules. Some cases may resolve in months, while others could take several years.

Start Your Compensation Claim

At Philly Injury Lawyer we offer specialized services and support to clients facing personal injury cases, ensuring they receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their unique circumstances:

1. Case Evaluation and Strategy Development: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your case, considering all details and nuances. Our team develops a strategic approach tailored to your specific situation, aiming to maximize the potential for a favorable outcome.
2. Investigative Resources: We employ investigative resources to gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This robust evidence collection is crucial for building a strong case.
3. Medical Expert Collaboration: Our firm collaborates with medical professionals who can provide critical insights into the nature and extent of injuries sustained. Their expert opinions are invaluable in establishing the impact of the injury on our client’s life.
4. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. Our experienced attorneys handle all negotiations, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that is less than what you deserve.
5. Litigation Expertise: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court. We have a proven track record in courtroom advocacy, fighting tirelessly for our clients’ rights.
6. Emotional Support and Guidance: We understand the emotional toll that personal injury cases can take on individuals and families. Our team offers compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring that you feel heard and supported.
7. Financial Impact Assessment: We assess the financial impact of your injury, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and potential long-term care needs. This comprehensive financial evaluation is critical for securing adequate compensation.
8. Accessibility and Communication: Our firm prioritizes clear and consistent communication with our clients. We ensure that you are kept informed at every stage of your case and that your questions and concerns are promptly addressed.
9. Contingency Fee Basis: We often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This approach allows you to pursue justice without upfront legal fees.
10. Post-Settlement Support: Even after a settlement is reached, our services don’t stop. We offer assistance with the settlement process and any post-settlement concerns you might have, ensuring a smooth transition as you move forward.

By choosing us, you benefit from a team that is not only legally proficient but also deeply committed to advocating for your rights and well-being throughout the legal process. Call (609) 627-6001 for a free consultation.