A Challenging Start To Life
Last updated on February 12, 2025
The birth of a child should be a joyous time. Unfortunately, complications can arise during the delivery process that result in permanent injury to the baby. In fact, seven out of every 1000 births in the U.S. result in birth injuries caused by the negligence of a health care professional.
At DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd., our team of experienced Rhode Island birth injury lawyers helps parents seek compensation for children who have suffered serious injuries during delivery. Contact us today at our offices in Providence to schedule a free consultation.
Identifying The Causes Of Your Child’s Injuries
Not every birth injury is the result of negligence on the part of your health care provider. However, an improperly handled or delayed delivery can significantly increase the risk of complications. Doctors are also expected to follow the correct procedures when dealing with those complications.
To confirm if negligence played a role in your child’s birth injury, it is crucial to identify the potential causes of the injury. Common causes of birth injuries include:
- Fetal distress: Failing to recognize and respond to fetal distress can lead to cerebral palsy, brain damage and other complications.
- Delayed or failed cesarean section: Failure to perform a timely C-section can lead to birth injuries if the baby is in distress or if there are complications with the delivery.
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose: Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose conditions such as placenta previa or umbilical cord compression can lead to injuries.
- Inadequate monitoring: Failure to properly monitor the mother and baby during delivery can lead to missed opportunities to prevent birth injuries.
At DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd., our seasoned birth injury attorneys will work with medical experts to investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth injury and determine if medical negligence played a role. Our team will fight to hold all responsible parties liable and seek the compensation your child and family deserve.
Types Of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys represent families throughout Rhode Island in birth injury claims, advocating for children who have suffered various types of birth-related trauma in claims against OB-GYNs and other medical personnel. As your lawyer, we take time to understand your child’s specific injuries and their long-term implications:
Brain injuries during birth
Oxygen deprivation can lead to devastating brain injuries, and it can be caused when medical professionals fail to monitor fetal distress. These injuries may cause cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, seizure disorders or developmental delays. Many children with birth-related brain trauma require lifelong medical care, therapy and educational support.
Erb’s palsy and brachial plexus injuries
These injuries typically occur when excessive force or improper techniques are used during difficult deliveries. Damage to the brachial plexus nerves can cause weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis in the shoulder, arm and hand. While some children recover with physical therapy, others face permanent limitations that affect their daily activities.
Spinal cord injuries
Improper use of delivery tools or excessive force during birth can damage a newborn’s delicate spine. These injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical support. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to document the full scope of these life-changing injuries.
Forceps and vacuum extraction injuries
When delivery assistance tools become necessary, their improper use can cause serious harm. We see cases involving skull fractures, brain bleeding, facial nerve damage and severe bruising. Medical professionals must carefully evaluate the risks before using these instruments during delivery.
Birth-related fractures
Difficult deliveries can lead to broken bones, particularly the collarbone and arms. While many fractures heal well with proper treatment, some may cause lasting complications or require surgical intervention. We help families address both immediate and long-term medical needs.
Maternal injuries
Our attorneys also represent mothers who have suffered injuries during childbirth. These cases include severe tears, hemorrhaging, infections and complications from cesarean sections. When medical staff fails to provide appropriate care before, during or after delivery, mothers may face serious health consequences.
For each type of birth injury case, we collaborate with medical experts to establish how proper care could have prevented harm to mother and child. Our Rhode Island birth injury attorneys pursue compensation that considers immediate medical expenses, future care needs and the profound impact these injuries have on families.
Understanding Birth Injuries In Rhode Island: Commonly Asked Questions
If medical negligence caused your child’s birth injury, you likely have many questions about your rights and legal options. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about birth injuries.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a birth injury claim in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, you typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a birth injury claim. However, it is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you understand the state’s laws, meet the deadlines and requirements and discuss the specifics of your case.
Can I file a claim if my child’s birth injury occurred during a cesarean section?
Yes, you can still file a claim if your child’s birth injury occurred during a cesarean section. Medical professionals are still responsible for providing proper care during a C-section, and negligence can still happen.
What are some common signs of a birth injury?
Among the common signs of a birth injury are seizures, difficulty breathing or unusual bruising or swelling. Other common signs may include weak or floppy muscles, paralysis or abnormal reflexes.
Get In Touch Today To Schedule A Free Consultation
Our experienced birth injury attorneys are fully prepared to litigate your case, if necessary, with the support of cutting-edge technology and credible experts. We will not charge you a fee unless we help you obtain compensation.
Don’t hesitate to contact us via email to discuss how we can help. You can also call us at 401-354-7233 toll-free to schedule a free consultation.