Virginia Birth Injury Lawyers

Childbirth should be one of the most joyful moments in a parent’s life, filled with anticipation, excitement, and the promise of a bright future. However, when something goes wrong during delivery due to medical negligence, this special time can quickly become a nightmare of worry, fear, and uncertainty.

These mistakes can lead to birth injuries – complications that can cause permanent disability in your child. Learning that your child has suffered a birth injury can be overwhelming and devastating, especially when you trusted your medical team to ensure a safe delivery.

At ABC Law Centers, we understand the immense emotional and physical toll that a birth injury can have on your family. Our compassionate birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families like yours navigate this difficult journey and seek justice for your child. We are here to offer you the support, guidance, and legal representation you need to secure the compensation necessary for your child’s ongoing care and medical expenses.

New born baby hand

Understanding Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are complex and can arise from various medical errors or negligent actions during labor and delivery. A single mistake by medical professionals can lead to a cascade of complications that result in lasting harm to your child. When these injuries could have been prevented, they may constitute medical malpractice, entitling your family to pursue legal action.

Some birth injuries are immediately apparent, such as when a baby is born unresponsive or not breathing. However, other injuries may not become evident until later, when developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking, are delayed. In either case, the impact of a birth injury can be profound, affecting your child’s quality of life and placing significant emotional and financial burdens on your family.

Legal Help in Virginia

At ABC Law Centers, our focus is solely on birth injury cases, allowing us to provide an unparalleled level of knowledge and dedication to each family we represent. Our attorneys at ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers work closely with a network of trustworthy attorneys nationwide. 

We collaborate with a network of trusted medical, economic, and forensic professionals to build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the gravity of what you’re going through, and our commitment to your family’s well-being is unwavering.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. We are available 24/7 to provide you with a free consultation and answer any questions you may have. Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance—let us help you secure the justice and compensation your child deserves.

Our unique focus on birth injury allows us to provide both knowledge on the complicated medical aspects of these cases and the compassion each family needs for their case.

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Attorneys at ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers have helped advise parents with birth injury cases for over 25 years. We are glad to consult with you and answer your questions, absolutely free.

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Common Birth Injuries

The following conditions are common in birth injury cases that our attorneys handle:

  • Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, often caused by brain damage during birth.
  • Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A condition resulting from a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth, leading to brain damage.
  • High-risk pregnancy complications: Issues arising from conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or multiple births.
  • Delayed emergency c-section: When a timely cesarean section is not performed, resulting in injury to the baby.
  • Umbilical cord problems: Complications like umbilical cord prolapse or nuchal cord (cord wrapped around the baby’s neck) that are not properly managed.
  • Infant seizures: Seizures that occur in newborns due to brain injury during or shortly after birth.
  • Newborn Infections: Infections that are not promptly diagnosed or treated, resulting in serious harm to the baby.
  • And other birth injuries

Types of Medical Negligence Leading to Birth Injuries

The birth of a child should be a moment of pure joy, but when medical negligence occurs, it can turn this precious time into one filled with fear and uncertainty. Understanding the types of medical negligence that can lead to birth injuries is crucial for parents who are navigating these challenging circumstances.

Labor and Delivery Errors

During labor and delivery, every second counts. Medical professionals are responsible for making quick, accurate decisions to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Unfortunately, errors can occur, leading to devastating birth injuries. 

Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or a vacuum can cause significant harm, including skull fractures, brain damage, or nerve injuries. Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate closely can result in missed signs of distress, such as oxygen deprivation, which can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy. 

Additionally, delays in performing a necessary emergency C-section can result in prolonged labor, increasing the risk of serious complications, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. These preventable mistakes can have life-altering consequences for your child and your family.

Prenatal Care Negligence

Proper prenatal care is vital to monitor the health and development of both mother and baby. Unfortunately, when medical providers fail to diagnose or manage conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, the risks to both can increase significantly. 

Gestational diabetes, if not properly managed, can lead to a larger baby size, increasing the likelihood of delivery complications and birth injuries. Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, can lead to premature birth or placental abruption, both of which pose serious risks to the baby. 

Inadequate prenatal care may also involve a failure to identify and prepare for a breech birth or other abnormal fetal positions, which can result in birth injuries during delivery. These oversights can turn what should be routine care into a life-changing event for your family.

Postnatal Care Failures

The period immediately following birth is just as critical as the moments leading up to it. Newborns require close monitoring and immediate medical attention to ensure they are adjusting well to life outside the womb. Negligence in this postnatal phase can lead to severe complications. 

For instance, if jaundice—a common condition in newborns—is not promptly treated, it can escalate into kernicterus, a form of brain damage that can result in lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities. Similarly, failing to recognize and address breathing difficulties or infections in a timely manner can lead to significant health issues, some of which may be irreversible. Postnatal care failures can compound the trauma of a difficult birth, leading to long-term consequences for your child and your family.

The Impact of Birth Injuries on Families

A birth injury doesn’t just affect the child; it impacts the entire family in profound and lasting ways. Parents are often overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, from shock and grief to guilt and anger. These feelings can be compounded by the ongoing challenges that arise as they navigate their child’s medical and developmental needs.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

The emotional toll of a birth injury can be devastating for parents, who may struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The joy and anticipation that once filled their hearts may be replaced by fear and uncertainty as they confront the reality of their child’s condition. 

The stress of caring for a child with special needs can strain relationships between parents and affect siblings, who may feel neglected or confused about their brother’s or sister’s condition. These emotional and psychological challenges can permeate every aspect of family life.

Financial Burdens

The financial impact of a birth injury can be staggering. Beyond the initial medical expenses, there may be a need for ongoing therapy, special equipment, home modifications, and even long-term care. The costs associated with providing the necessary medical and supportive care can quickly add up, leaving families financially strained. 

In many cases, one parent may need to reduce work hours or leave their job altogether to care for their child, further reducing the family’s income. Pursuing compensation through a birth injury lawsuit can help alleviate these financial burdens, providing the resources needed to ensure your child receives the care they deserve.

Social and Educational Challenges

Birth injuries can also affect a child’s ability to engage in social activities and access educational opportunities. Depending on the severity of the injury, your child may require special education services or adaptive technologies to help them learn and grow. As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to watch your child struggle with tasks that should be simple and enjoyable. 

Your birth injury attorney understands these challenges and advocates on your behalf for your child’s rights to receive appropriate educational and social support to help them reach their full potential.

Statute of Limitations

Virginia law imposes a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a birth injury lawsuit. The timeframe can vary depending on factors such as the location of the injury, the facility where it occurred, and your child’s age. Determining the correct statute of limitations is essential to preserving your legal rights.

If you suspect that medical malpractice played a role in your child’s birth injury, it’s important to contact a Virginia birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Our team at ABC Law Centers will help you understand the relevant statutes and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Contact ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers

ABC Law team

Birth injuries can turn what should be a joyous occasion into a time of fear and uncertainty. But with the right legal support, you can hold those responsible accountable and ensure that your child has access to the care they need. Let ABC Law Centers be your ally in this fight—contact us now to learn more about how we can help.

If your child has suffered a birth injury in Virginia, don’t hesitate to reach out to ABC Law Centers. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the legal support you need during this difficult time. Call us today at 248-593-5100 for a free consultation, or contact us online. Take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation your family deserves.