How to Tell You Need a Birth Injury Lawyer
Many different reasons cause birth injuries. Many are natural occurrences; however; some are due to medical negligence or mistakes made by your medical staff. When the latter is the cause, you have the right to hold the practitioner responsible and seek compensation to help with subsequent expenses.
If you suspect that an injury happened to your infant due to mistakes made, your first move should be to ask a birth injury lawyer. It is essential to find an attorney that specializes in birth injury law as it is a complex process.
Consultation
If you suspect that your baby was injured during the birthing process, you will need to book a consultation with an experienced attorney. During your consult, the attorney will help you to determine if you have a case or not.
You will be advised to bring in any documentation you have to help assist with this discovery process. If you choose to retain counsel, they will begin a process where they collect information from witnesses, subpoena medical records, and more.
Once this pre-litigation has already started, settlements will most likely be proposed or offered.
Expense
When you are suffering from medical negligence during the birthing process, you may incur lifelong expenses. Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus is one of the most common birth injuries that result in litigation. Brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the neck that help control the motion of your arm.
When these are damaged during the birthing process, it can cause a weakness in your neck and arm muscles that will need physical therapy to correct. This, along with other medical expenses, can quickly add up over time.
This is where filing a suit against the negligent medical practitioners can help you alleviate these costs you would not have planned for.
If you think your baby may have been injured during the birthing process, you need to consult an attorney right away. Many people do not consult an attorney because they are nervous about the fees associated with the litigation process. Don’t let this hold you back.
Many attorneys that specialize in birth injury law work on a contingency fee. This means that the attorney doesn’t get paid unless you do. An attorney is vital in negotiating with the hospital and practice. They have the experience necessary to navigate this complex process. Many people even gain a settlement without going forward with a court case.
This is an ideal situation that will save you time, money, and the emotional process of going to court. Remember, time is of the essence.
Conclusion
The earlier you file, the better your results. It is imperative to do this while memories are fresh, and records are easily accessible to assist your counsel in the discovery process.
Take excellent notes and make sure to bring up anything you can think of regardless of how trivial it may seem to you. Small facts can add up to winning your case and getting the settlement you and your baby deserve.
