Hagerstown Birth Injury Attorney

Lawyer for Injuries to Children During Childbirth in Hagerstown, MD

During pregnancy, labor, or delivery, serious injuries can occur that may threaten the child's life and health. Birth injuries can have lifelong effects on a child and a family, and they can lead to multiple types of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, it is important to understand your legal rights and the options available to you.

Medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries can be complex, and a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding a birth will usually be needed to determine whether medical professionals failed to provide the appropriate standard of care. At Serafini Law, our birth injury lawyer can help you seek justice for the harm done to your child and your family. We will work with you to secure the compensation needed to provide for your child's care and future. By working with medical experts, reviewing medical records, and investigating the circumstances of the injury, our skilled attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.

Types of Birth Injuries

Children may suffer injuries during childbirth for a variety of reasons, including complications during labor, improper use of medical equipment, or failure to monitor the health of the mother and baby. In some cases, children may be able to recover from birth injuries after receiving the proper treatment, but other situations may lead to permanent disabilities. Common types of birth injuries include:

• Cerebral Palsy: One of the most serious birth injuries, cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It can affect movement, muscle coordination, and cognitive function, leading to lifelong disabilities.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb's Palsy): These injuries occur when the nerves controlling the arm and hand are damaged during delivery, often due to excessive force or improper handling. Brachial plexus injuries can result in weakness, paralysis, or loss of function in the affected arm.
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This type of brain injury is caused by a lack of oxygen to the baby's brain during birth. This condition can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairments, seizures, and other long-term neurological problems.
• Fractures: During a difficult delivery, babies can suffer broken bones. These injuries most commonly affect the collarbone or the skull. While some fractures may heal without long-term effects, others can lead to complications if they are not properly treated.
• Facial Nerve Damage: Improper use of forceps or other delivery tools can damage nerves, resulting in partial or complete paralysis of the face. In some cases, these injuries may heal over time, but in more severe cases, permanent nerve damage can occur.

Each of these injuries can have long-lasting effects on a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Our birth injury lawyer in Hagerstown can help you understand the nature of your child's injury and the best course of action for recovering compensation.

Effects of Birth Injuries on Children

The ways children may be affected by birth injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the type of damage that occurred. Some children may experience temporary effects, while others may face lifelong disabilities that require ongoing medical care, therapy, and support. Issues that may affect a child and family include:

• Physical disabilities: Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or paralysis can limit a child's mobility and independence. These disabilities may require long-term physical therapy, surgeries, and adaptive equipment.
• Cognitive impairments: Conditions such as HIE or birth asphyxia can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and cognitive issues, all of which may affect a child's ability to communicate, learn, and socialize.
• Emotional and behavioral challenges: Some children who suffer from birth injuries may experience issues such as anxiety, frustration, or difficulty adjusting to their limitations. These challenges may require specialized therapy or counseling.
• Financial burden: Caring for a child with a birth injury can be financially overwhelming for families. The costs of medical treatment, therapy, special education, and care giving can be substantial.

Parents of children with birth injuries often find themselves struggling to address these concerns, and they may struggle both emotionally and financially. By taking steps to recover compensation through a birth injury claim, a family can obtain the financial resources needed to provide their child with the best possible care.

Compensation for Birth Injuries

Families can recover compensation from the parties who were responsible for causing birth injuries. This compensation can help them manage the long-term costs associated with their child's injuries. A successful birth injury claim can provide financial compensation for:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, medications, and specialized care.
• Rehabilitation and therapy: Many children with birth injuries require physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help them develop skills and improve mobility.
• Special education: If a child has cognitive or developmental impairments, compensation can help cover the cost of special education programs and tutoring services.
• Home modifications: If a child requires a wheelchair or other mobility aids, a family's home may need to be modified to accommodate their needs.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation may address the emotional and physical suffering caused by the injury.

Contact Our Hagerstown, Maryland Birth Injury Lawyer

At Serafini Law, we understand how difficult it can be for families to cope with the effects of a birth injury. Our experienced attorney can help your family take steps to achieve justice and hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. We are committed to ensuring that your family will receive the compensation needed to care for your child and avoid ongoing financial difficulties. Contact our office today by calling 240-744-1600 to arrange a free consultation.