Lansing, Michigan Birth Injury Lawyers

The birth of a child is a moment parents dream of and anticipate with great joy. It’s a time meant to be filled with love, hope, and excitement about the future. But when a birth injury occurs, that joy can quickly turn into confusion, pain, and a flood of emotions. 

We are here to help families in Lansing, Michigan. If your baby suffered a birth injury as a result of medical negligence, our team is ready to help you through the legal process. At ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, we exclusively handle birth injury cases, and we provide compassionate legal guidance, advocate for your child, and help your family access the financial resources you need to provide lifetime care. 

Contact our trusted Lansing, Michigan birth injury lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and legal options. 

When your child’s life is forever changed by a birth injury, choosing the right advocate is critical. At ABC Law Centers, we specifically focus on helping families impacted by birth injuries caused by medical negligence. Unlike firms that take on many types of cases, we dedicate 100% of our time and resources to this complex area of law. This unique focus means your case will receive the attention, care, and legal support it deserves.

What sets us apart?

• Over 25 Years of Experience in Birth Injury Cases: Since 1997, we’ve been working tirelessly to secure justice for families affected by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, neonatal seizures, and other birth injuries.
• Local Support: We take special care to address the unique needs of families in Lansing and throughout Michigan.
• Close Collaboration with Medical Experts: Our firm partners with top medical, economic, and forensic experts to build cases thoroughly and effectively. This includes life-care planners who can help estimate the long-term care needs your child may face.
• Registered Nurse on Staff: Our in-house nursing staff provides critical medical insight, helping us to evaluate and develop your case in ways that other attorneys cannot.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We know that filing a lawsuit is about more than compensation. It’s about finding answers, holding negligent parties accountable, and securing the resources your child will need to live their best life.

When you work with us, you’ll find not just legal advocates but people who genuinely care about what you’re going through. We’ll be right beside you every step of the way.

A birth injury refers to physical harm or neurological damage that happens to a baby during labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. While not all complications during childbirth are avoidable, many injuries are the result of medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff have a duty to follow established standards of care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Failure to meet these standards can lead to devastating outcomes, including lifelong disabilities.

Birth injuries can take a massive emotional and financial toll on families. Parents must often adjust to a new reality of providing ongoing medical care, therapy, and educational support for their child. If a healthcare provider’s mistake caused your baby’s injury, filing a lawsuit can help ensure your child receives the care they need while also holding those responsible accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Birth injuries caused by medical negligence often stem from errors or failures during critical moments of labor and delivery. Some of the most common causes include:

• Delayed or Improper Responses to Fetal Distress: A baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored throughout labor. If signs of distress are missed or ignored, it can lead to life-altering damage, like brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation.
• Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section: When labor is not progressing or indications of fetal distress are present, a delay in performing a necessary  C-section can have devastating consequences.
• Misuse of Delivery Tools: The improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can lead to physical injuries, such as skull fractures or nerve damage, and even permanent disabilities like cerebral palsy.
• Improper Administration of Labor-Inducing Drugs: Medications like Pitocin or Cytotec must be used carefully. Overuse or misuse increases the risks of excessive contractions, uterine rupture, or harm to the baby.
• Failure to Notice or Respond to Maternal Complications: Conditions like uterine ruptures, placental abruption, or infections in the mother can also put the baby at severe risk if mishandled.

The families that our lawyers have had the privilege to represent experienced one or more of the following conditions during labor and/or delivery:

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery. HIE can lead to long-term disabilities, including developmental delays, seizures, and learning challenges.
• Cerebral Palsy: Often linked to oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during birth, cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: These involve damage to the network of nerves that control the arms. Conditions like Erb’s palsy can result, affecting a child’s ability to move their arm and hand.
• Neonatal Seizures: Seizures shortly after birth can be a sign of brain damage or oxygen deprivation, often requiring immediate and specialized care.
• Skull and Brain Injuries: Forceps, vacuum extractors, or improper delivery techniques can lead to fractures, internal bleeding, or permanent brain damage.
• Developmental Delays: Parents may notice their child isn’t meeting milestones like walking or talking, which can be early signs of birth-related injuries.

If you suspect your child’s condition may be linked to actions or decisions taken during labor and delivery, you deserve experienced legal assistance. 

Determining fault in a birth injury case can be complex, as many parties may share responsibility for what happened. At ABC Law Centers, we carefully investigate every detail of your case to identify all forms of medical negligence and hold the proper individuals or institutions accountable.

Potentially responsible parties in a Lansing birth injury claim include:

• Doctors and Obstetricians

Physicians involved in labor and delivery are expected to monitor both the mother and baby closely. Failing to recognize signs of distress or mishandling complications can result in significant harm. Common examples of negligence include delayed C-sections, failure to identify infection, or misuse of delivery tools.

• Nurses and Labor Staff

Nurses play a vital role during labor by tracking the baby’s heart rate, vital signs, and overall progress. If communication between nurses and the medical team breaks down, or mistakes are made in monitoring or administering medications, the consequences can be severe.

• Anesthesiologists

Though a smaller percentage of cases involve this group, errors related to epidurals or other anesthetics can have serious effects on both the mother and baby.

• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospital systems can also be held responsible if systemic issues contributed to a birth injury. These might include understaffing, lack of access to necessary equipment or diagnostic tools, insufficient training for medical personnel, or failure to maintain clean and safe environments.

Our lawyers leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating the root causes of your child’s injury. Our findings often uncover critical details that can make all the difference in holding negligent parties accountable and recovering the compensation your family deserves.

We know how critical it is to build a strong, evidence-based case when pursuing justice for your child. Proving medical negligence in a birth injury claim requires an in-depth understanding of both legal and medical principles. Our experienced attorneys carefully investigate every detail of your labor and delivery, leaving no question unanswered. Here’s how we approach proving negligence in your case:

• Analyzing Medical Records: We meticulously review your prenatal, labor, delivery, and neonatal records to uncover errors, delays, or failures in care. This analysis is often pivotal in identifying where the healthcare team may have gone wrong.
• Consulting Medical Experts: Our firm partners with leading obstetricians, neurologists, neonatologists, and other professionals who can provide expert testimony about how the healthcare providers’ actions deviated from accepted standards of care.
• Identifying Causation: It’s not enough to show that an error occurred; we also demonstrate how that error directly caused your child’s injury.
• Documenting the Impact on Your Child’s Future: Using life care planners and economic professionals, we illustrate the lifelong effects of the injury on your child’s health, development, and quality of life.
• Uncovering Systemic Failures: Sometimes, negligence is the result of issues like understaffing, lack of training, or inadequate equipment at the hospital. We work to hold all responsible parties accountable, ensuring systemic failures are also addressed.

By combining comprehensive legal strategy with a deep understanding of medical science, our attorneys fight for the compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Filing a birth injury lawsuit is not about placing a monetary value on your child’s life; it’s about ensuring they have the resources necessary to reach their fullest potential. The costs associated with a severe birth injury can be astronomical, from ongoing medical care to adaptive equipment and specialized education. A successful case can help your family afford these essential services and provide financial peace of mind during a challenging time.

Types of compensation available in a birth injury claim include:

• Medical Costs: This includes past, current, and future expenses for surgeries, doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, and more.
• Specialized Therapies: Compensation can cover physical, occupational, and speech therapies required to aid in your child’s development.
• Assistive Devices: From wheelchairs and braces to communication aids, your child may need specialized equipment to support their daily life.
• Educational Support: Many children with birth injuries require individualized learning strategies, and settlements can cover tuition, tutors, or educational aids.
• Home Modifications: This includes making your home accessible, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or creating therapy rooms.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your child’s injuries will impact their ability to work in adulthood, compensation can account for these future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and diminished quality of life brought on by the injury can also be a component of your claim.
• Caregiver Costs: If a parent or professional caregiver is needed to provide around-the-clock care, this can be included in your compensation.

Every child’s situation is unique, and we work tirelessly to understand your family’s specific needs. Our goal is to remove the financial barriers so you can focus on giving your child the care and support they deserve.

Not every hospital is equipped to help the most fragile or ill of newborns. Infants with birth injuries can sometimes need highly specialized care, including (but not limited to) hypothermia therapy, ventilation, seizure monitoring and management, and/or surgical interventions for certain health issues.

While the following is not a comprehensive list of medical centers in the area surrounding Lansing, it is a starting point for parents researching a particular hospital’s capabilities for taking care of critically ill newborns:

• Sparrow Health Care: The Sparrow NICU provide NICU care for the Mid-Michigan region, and their pediatric rehabilitation services can provide developmental assessments for children and help children with disabilities develop their physical and occupational skills, learn how to properly chew and swallow, and learn other important life tasks. Sparrow Hospital is designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) in Maternity Care. The hospital has several locations, including in Lansing, St. Johns, Carson City, and Ionia.
• Additional Support Nearby
  If your baby’s condition requires more intensive or specialized treatment than a Level III NICU can provide, nearby hospitals with Level IV NICUs are within driving distance. Facilities such as C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids offer cutting-edge neonatal care for the most complex cases. These hospitals are recognized for their expertise and advanced technology, offering services such as whole-body cooling for HIE and neonatal surgery.

To find other NICU locations in the state of Michigan:

• Michigan NICUs (Neonatology Solutions)
• Michigan Birthing Hospitals (Michigan.gov, updated 9/19/2022).

Unfortunately, even in top-tier NICU settings, medical errors can occur. Missed diagnoses, delays in treatment, improper monitoring, or inadequate staff training can further complicate an already stressful situation. If you suspect negligence played a role in your child’s care, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate Lansing birth injury attorney.

We understand that life after a birth injury can feel daunting. Fortunately, Lansing families have access to supportive resources to ease some of the burdens and find aid for medical, emotional, and financial challenges. Here are some local options to explore:

• Eaton RESA Early Childhood Programs: Offering early intervention services and developmental support for families in Lansing and nearby areas.
• The Arc of Mid-Michigan: Advocates for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and provides resources for parents and caregivers.
• Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (MDHHS): Connects families with programs and emotional support based on their child’s unique challenges.

At ABC Law Centers, we believe in standing by Lansing families every step of the way. Our team is here to listen to your story, connect you with resources, and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. 

If you’re unsure about the legal process or wonder what steps to take after your child’s birth injury, these frequently asked questions can help provide clarity and peace of mind.

The statute of limitations for birth injury claims can vary, but in Michigan, families generally have until the child’s 10th birthday to file a claim. However, specific deadlines may depend on circumstances, such as the type of facility where the injury occurred. It’s critical to act quickly and consult with an attorney to protect your legal rights.

Yes, even top-rated hospitals can make mistakes. Medical negligence can occur anywhere, as errors often result from individual missteps or systemic issues like staffing shortages or poor communication. The reputation of a facility does not exempt it from accountability.

At ABC Law Centers, you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case. We believe every family deserves access to legal representation, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. Our consultations are also free, so discussing your case comes with no financial risk.

No, your claim will not interfere with your child’s ongoing medical care. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to continue offering the highest standard of care regardless of legal action. Additionally, holding negligent parties accountable often helps improve the quality and safety of medical practices for future patients.

At ABC Law Centers, we understand that a birth injury is one of the most challenging experiences a parent can face. Our compassionate attorneys can guide you through every step of the legal process, providing the support your family needs. Here’s how we can help:

• Investigate Your Case: Our team will analyze medical records, consult experts, and dig deep into the facts to understand how and why your child’s injury occurred.
• Build a Strong Case: From assembling evidence to retaining top medical and forensic specialists, we leave nothing to chance in proving negligence.
• Secure Compensation: Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight to obtain the financial resources your family needs for medical care, therapies, and future planning.
• Offer Peace of Mind: We shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on caring for your child and your family.

Taking legal action is not just about justice; it’s about creating a better future for your child. When you work with ABC Law Centers, you’ll have fierce advocates on your side, dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.

Contact us today at (248) 593-5100 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you take the first steps toward justice and the resources your child needs to thrive.

We handle cases all across the state, including the following cities:

Detroit ▪️ Dearborn ▪️ Grand Rapids ▪️ Ann Arbor ▪️ Southfield