ABC Law Centers Advocates for Georgia Families.

The birth of a child is a deeply anticipated and joyous moment for parents. You hope for nothing but health, safety, and happiness for your baby. But when something goes tragically wrong during childbirth, and your baby suffers a preventable injury because of medical negligence, the results can be life-altering. Your child may face long-term disabilities, extensive medical needs, and a future filled with uncertainty. At ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, we understand the overwhelming pain and frustration families experience in these moments.

If you believe medical malpractice caused your child’s birth injury, a Columbus, GA, birth injury lawyer from ABC Law Centers can help. For over 25 years, we have devoted ourselves exclusively to helping families like yours. We seek justice and secure vital resources to ensure your child receives the care and support they need to thrive. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with compassion and care.

Choosing the right law firm can feel daunting. Most families facing birth injuries are navigating uncharted and difficult territories. You need an attorney who not only understands the legal side of your case but who is also deeply compassionate and committed to advocating for your family’s best interests.

At ABC Law Centers, we stand apart because of our unwavering focus on birth injury cases. Here’s why so many families have trusted us:

• Exclusive Focus on Birth Injury Cases: For over two decades, our firm has dedicated itself to helping families affected by birth injuries. This sharp focus allows us to approach each case with unparalleled experience and insight.
• Collaboration with Medical Professionals: We work closely with in-house registered nurses, medical experts, and life care planners. This ensures we have a comprehensive understanding of your child’s condition, its causes, and the future medical needs your family will face.
• Recovered Millions for Families Nationwide: While no amount of money can undo a birth injury, compensation can alleviate the financial burdens of raising a child with special needs. We have successfully secured life-changing settlements and verdicts for families across the country.
• No Fee Unless We Win: With ABC Law Centers, you face no financial risk. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation for your case.
• Understanding and Compassionate Advocacy: We recognize that this isn’t just a lawsuit—it’s about your child’s future. Our team listens to your family’s concerns and works tirelessly to bring you peace of mind.

A Columbus birth injury attorney from ABC Law Centers can guide you with sensitivity and diligence during this difficult time. You are not alone in this fight, and we are here to advocate for justice.

A birth injury occurs when a baby sustains harm due to errors or negligence during labor, delivery, or immediate postnatal care. These injuries can range from mild to severe and, in many cases, may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities requiring intensive medical care.

At ABC Law Centers, we focus specifically on cases where medical negligence or malpractice caused or contributed to the harm your baby endured. These cases require thorough investigation to identify how and why medical professionals failed in their duty to provide a safe delivery experience.

Birth injuries can result from various errors during labor and delivery. Some examples include:

• Delayed Intervention: When medical professionals fail to recognize or respond to signs of fetal distress, the baby can suffer oxygen deprivation or other complications.
• Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Forceps or vacuum extractors, if used incorrectly, can cause skull fractures, brain injuries, or nerve damage.
• Medication Errors: Administering Pitocin or Cytotec improperly during labor can lead to uterine rupture or complications that harm both mother and baby.
• Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section: If a cesarean section is not performed quickly during emergencies, the baby may risk serious harm, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
• Failure to Monitor: Neglecting fetal monitoring can lead to overlooked complications, such as irregular heart rates or reduced oxygen levels.

When these or similar mistakes occur, they are often avoidable. It is crucial to hold medical professionals accountable so other families do not face the same devastating consequences.

Birth injuries caused by negligence vary widely, but some of the most common—and most severe—include:

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A type of brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow during or after delivery. HIE can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
• Cerebral Palsy: A motor disorder caused by brain damage during childbirth. Children with cerebral palsy may face mobility challenges, muscle stiffness, and speech difficulties.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy): Damage to the nerves around the shoulder and neck caused by improper delivery techniques, leading to arm weakness and mobility issues.
• Neonatal Seizures: Seizures in newborns may indicate brain damage, especially in cases involving oxygen deprivation.
• Skull Fractures and Brain Bleeds: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause dangerous head injuries.

These injuries often require continuous medical care, including physical therapy, surgeries, medications, and special education services. With a trusted legal advocate by your side, you can secure the financial resources your child will need for these essential treatments.

Accountability is one of the most critical aspects of a birth injury claim. Families often wonder who should be held liable in these complex cases. At ABC Law Centers, we focus on uncovering all negligent actions or systemic failures that harmed your child.

Defendants in birth injury cases typically include:

• Doctors and Obstetricians: They may misinterpret fetal monitoring data, delay necessary interventions, or improperly administer medications.
• Nurses and Labor Staff: Errors in monitoring, communication, or executing medical orders can lead to harmful delays or oversights.
• Midwives: While midwives often ensure safe deliveries, negligence in high-risk situations can result in severe injuries.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Systems: Failures such as understaffing, lack of training, or lack of access to critical tools (like fetal monitors or neonatal care equipment) can contribute to birth injuries.

Determining liability requires in-depth investigation and access to expert testimony. Our experienced birth injury lawyers will leave no stone unturned to ascertain where negligence occurred—and hold those responsible accountable.

Birth injury claims are complex. To succeed, you must demonstrate that a healthcare provider’s actions—or lack of appropriate action—fell below the standard of care expected from similarly trained professionals. At ABC Law Centers, we excel at building strong cases by investigating every detail of what happened during childbirth.

Here’s how we handle the process:

1. Comprehensive Medical Record Review: Our in-house nurses and legal team review labor and delivery records, test results, and imaging scans to pinpoint instances of negligence.
2. Collaboration with Medical Experts: We consult with leading obstetricians, neonatologists, and other specialists to confirm that substandard care caused your child’s injuries.
3. Identifying Errors in Care: We connect hospital protocols and medical decisions to the outcomes your child experienced, presenting clear evidence of avoidable mistakes.
4. Life-Care Planning and Cost Analysis: Beyond proving negligence, we calculate the lifetime cost of care your child will require, including therapies, equipment, and specialized education plans.

Filing a legal claim isn’t solely about obtaining monetary compensation—it’s about ensuring your child has the care and resources they deserve for a better future. Many families use their compensation to fund ongoing medical needs, adaptive equipment, home modifications, or special education costs. By holding negligent parties accountable, you’re also advocating for healthcare improvements that protect others from experiencing similar tragedies.

Families dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury often face significant financial and emotional strains. Compensation in a birth injury case can alleviate these burdens by covering:

• Medical Expenses: Costs related to surgeries, medications, therapies, and hospital stays.
• Future Medical Care: Provisions for lifelong medical needs, such as rehabilitation, home modifications, or adaptive equipment.
• Lost Income: Compensation for parents who must reduce working hours or leave jobs to care for their child.
• Pain and Suffering: Recognition of the emotional and physical impact on both the child and family.
• Educational Support: Resources for specialized educational programs or support services for the child.
• Assistive Technology: Funding for devices that improve mobility and communication.

Each case is unique, and our lawyers will thoroughly assess your situation to ensure every aspect of your family’s needs is addressed.

The statute of limitations for birth injury claims in Georgia varies depending on several factors. Generally, parents have two years from the date of the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, if the claim involves a child, Georgia law allows additional leniency, often extending the filing deadline until the child’s seventh birthday in specific circumstances.

It is crucial to consult a birth injury attorney as soon as possible to review your case. Filing within the required timeframe ensures that vital evidence is preserved and your claim remains valid.

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about birth injury claims.

Determining whether negligence caused your child’s injury requires a thorough review of medical records, consultation with experts, and evidence evaluation. Medical professionals are held to specific standards of care, and identifying a deviation from these standards is key in a malpractice case.

At ABC Law Centers, there are no upfront costs to hire our legal team. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for your case. This allows families to access top-notch legal representation regardless of your financial situation.

The timeline for a birth injury case depends on factors like the complexity of the injury and the investigation process. Sometimes, it takes several years for the true effects of a birth injury to show in the form of developmental delays or learning disabilities. Cases can take several years, but our team will ensure you remain informed every step of the way.

If you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s injury, start by gathering all medical records related to the pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Document any signs of injury or developmental concerns, and consult a skilled birth injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help evaluate your case and determine if negligence occurred.

No, pursuing a birth injury claim does not mean you have to face the doctor or hospital directly. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf. If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will present the evidence, allowing you to focus on your family.