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Fighting for Justice on Behalf of Your Child and Your Family in Atlanta

The birth of a child is a significant and joyous event for families in Atlanta, yet it can turn into a distressing and life-altering experience if complications arise during labor or delivery. Birth injuries are deeply traumatic, often affecting the health and well-being of both the child and the mother. These injuries can alter the course of a family’s life forever, creating financial, emotional, and physical burdens that should never have been the family’s responsibility to bear.

At our law firm in Atlanta, we understand the deep emotional impact of a birth injury. With a team of lawyers who are also trained medical professionals, we bring not only legal expertise but medical insight into every case. We know firsthand the kind of distress that follows an unexpected complication during childbirth. When mistakes happen during labor or delivery, families deserve justice, support, and compassionate care. Our team is here to help guide you through this difficult process, offering you dedicated legal representation and compassionate support every step of the way.

Are Birth Injuries Common?

Every day, babies are born in hospitals across Atlanta. Sadly, not all births go smoothly, and many children are born with injuries due to medical negligence. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), thousands of babies are born each year with some form of birth injury. Some key statistics include:

•Approximately 6% of infant fatalities are due to maternal complications. •Birth injuries contribute to about 20% of all infant deaths in the U.S. annually. •Birth injuries are the fourth leading cause of infant death. •Injuries to male babies occur more frequently than to females. •Over 6% of infant fatalities are linked to unintentional injuries, including those caused by medical malpractice. •Most birth injuries are severe or moderate in nature, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

When a child suffers a birth injury, it is often catastrophic. Conditions such as cerebral palsy may develop, causing lifelong challenges for the child and their family. If your child has been injured due to a medical mistake in Atlanta, we can help you seek justice and financial recovery.

What Causes Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can range from minor issues to severe, life-threatening complications. Common causes of birth injuries include: •Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction: These tools are often used when the baby is stuck in the birth canal, but improper use can cause severe injury, including nerve damage and brain injuries. •Failure to Perform a Timely Cesarean Section (C-Section): If complications arise and a C-section is not performed promptly, it can lead to oxygen deprivation, uterine rupture, and more. •Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen during birth can cause significant brain damage. If medical staff fail to notice signs of hypoxia and take immediate action, it can lead to serious, lasting damage or even death. •Inadequate Fetal Monitoring: Proper monitoring of the baby during labor is critical. Failure to detect signs of fetal distress can result in long-term harm to the child.

Unfortunately, many of these injuries are preventable with proper care, and yet they continue to occur due to medical negligence.

Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries come in many forms, and they can range from relatively minor injuries to severe, lifelong conditions. Some common birth injuries include:

•Cerebral Palsy •Erb’s Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injury •Fractures (e.g., clavicle fractures) •Facial Paralysis •Head Trauma •Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy •Spinal Cord Injuries •Brain Injuries •Intrauterine Fetal Demise

Each of these injuries can result from negligence during childbirth, and families may be entitled to pursue a birth injury claim to recover damages.

How to Identify Birth Injuries and Complications

If you suspect that your child may have suffered a birth injury, look for these common signs:

•Broken bones or limb deformities •Seizures or unusual movements •Delayed motor development or difficulty coordinating movement •Paralysis or weakness in limbs •Unusual skin color, like blueness or pallor •Persistent lethargy or difficulty feeding

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation immediately. If it’s determined that a birth injury occurred due to negligence, you have legal options in Atlanta.

Seeking Justice with Experienced Birth Injury Attorneys in Atlanta

Navigating a birth injury claim requires legal expertise. Birth injury cases are complex and involve a thorough understanding of both the legal and medical aspects of the situation. Our team of experienced attorneys in Atlanta will work tirelessly to gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve. We handle all aspects of your case, from filing the lawsuit to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, going to trial.

Proving Medical Negligence in Birth Injury Cases

To pursue a birth injury claim, you must prove that medical negligence occurred. This requires demonstrating:

1.A doctor-patient relationship existed, and the medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient. 2.The medical professional’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care. 3.The deviation in care caused harm to you or your child. 4.The harm resulted in financial damages, pain, and suffering.

If you believe that medical negligence is to blame for your child’s birth injury, our team is here to help in Atlanta. We will work diligently to investigate your case, gather supporting evidence, and fight for your family’s rights.

Can You Recover Compensation for a Birth Injury?

While no amount of money can undo the pain and hardship caused by a birth injury, financial compensation can help alleviate the burden of medical bills, therapy costs, and long-term care. You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including:

•Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and future care. •Non-Economic Damages: Emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering. •Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded.

Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Claims in Georgia

It’s important to act promptly, as there is a time limit for filing birth injury lawsuits in Georgia. The statute of limitations for birth injury claims in Georgia generally allows up to two years from the date of the injury or the discovery of the injury. However, each case is different, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney to ensure that you meet the deadline.

Birth Defects vs. Preventable Birth Injuries

It’s important to understand the difference between birth defects and birth injuries. Birth defects are congenital conditions that occur during pregnancy, such as Down syndrome or spina bifida, whereas birth injuries occur during labor and delivery, often due to medical errors.

Could the Child’s Birth Injury Have Been Prevented?

Physicians, doctors, surgeons, and nurses must take certain precautions to prevent injuries from befalling babies and their mothers during childbirth. Proper prenatal care, monitoring, and timely interventions (such as a C-section) can help prevent many birth injuries. However, failure to recognize the signs of distress or act promptly can lead to tragic outcomes.

How Can an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer in Atlanta Help?

At our law firm in Atlanta, we are committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance to families impacted by birth injuries. We will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free case review today to discuss your options for pursuing justice for your child’s injury.

Our team is here to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the rights of your family in Atlanta.

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