Lakeland Birth Injury Lawyers

Birth injuries can occur during labor and delivery, causing physical and emotional trauma to both the mother and the baby. While some birth injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of medical malpractice or negligence. If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury, it is essential to seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in this area. 

Osborne, Francis & Pettis has a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to helping families receive the compensation they deserve for birth injuries caused by medical malpractice or negligence. We’ll work hard to make sure all of those who contributed to your family’s tragedy are forced to pay dearly.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (561) 264-6238 or contact us online.

Types of Birth Injuries

There are several types of birth injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some common types of birth injuries include:

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. This condition occurs when there is damage to the brain during childbirth. 

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy is a condition that affects the nerves in the upper arm, causing weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. This condition is often caused by stretching or tearing of the nerves during delivery. 

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition in which the baby's brain is deprived of oxygen during childbirth. This can lead to brain damage and other serious health complications.

Kernicterus

Kernicterus is a rare but serious condition that can occur when a baby's bilirubin levels are too high. This can cause brain damage and other complications. 

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery. This can cause nerve damage and other complications. 

Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can occur for many reasons. Some common causes of birth injuries include: 

Birth Complications

Complications during childbirth can lead to birth injuries. This can include issues with the mother's health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, or issues with the baby, such as a large birth weight or a breech position. 

Improper Use of Extraction Devices

Extraction devices, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, are sometimes used to assist with delivery. However, if these devices are used improperly, they can cause serious injuries to the baby. 

Failure to Monitor

Doctors and medical staff must monitor both the mother and the baby during labor and delivery. Failure to do so can lead to serious complications and injuries. 

Improper Medication Dosage

Medications used during childbirth, such as Pitocin, must be administered carefully to avoid complications. If these medications are not given in the correct dosage, they can cause serious injuries to the mother and the baby.

Signs Your Newborn Could be Injured

It’s important to be aware of the signs of a birth injury. Some common signs that your newborn could be injured include:

• Difficulty with breathing or feeding 
• Seizures or tremors
• Lack of movement or muscle tone
• Excessive crying or irritability
• Abnormal head shape or size

Who’s At Fault for a Birth Injury?

Determining who is at fault for a birth injury can be complicated. In some cases, the injury may be the result of a medical error or negligence on the part of the doctor, nurse, or other medical staff. In other cases, the injury may be the result of a pre-existing condition or complication that could not have been prevented. Your attorney can review your case and help you determine who may be held responsible for your child's injuries.

How to File a Birth Injury Lawsuit

If you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney. Your attorney can help you file a birth injury lawsuit and guide you through the legal process.

The first step in filing a birth injury lawsuit is to contact an attorney who specializes in this area. Your attorney will review your case and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Once your attorney has gathered evidence to support your claim, they will file a complaint in court. The complaint will outline the details of your case, including the injuries your child has suffered and the damages you are seeking. The defendant will then have an opportunity to respond to the complaint and present their own evidence.

There’s a chance your case could go to trial. If it does, a jury will hear the evidence presented by both sides and make a determination on whether the defendant is liable for the injuries your child has suffered. If the defendant is found liable, the court will determine the damages to be awarded.