A Challenging Start To Life
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 firm represents children and parents in claims against OB-GYNs and other medical personnel for all types of birth injuries, including but not limited to:
Brain Injuries During Birth
Oxygen deprivation during childbirth can seriously injure the child’s brain, resulting in developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and other conditions.
Erb’s Palsy
Nerve damage due to shoulder dystocia is the most common cause of Erb’s palsy, a form of paralysis that can have long-term consequences.
Dropping Of Newborns
Any injury that occurs when a child is dropped during or immediately after delivery may be the result of medical malpractice.
Forceps Injuries
Forceps should only be used during childbirth in rare instances, as they can cause bruising and other serious injuries to the child.
Postpartum Negligence
If the mother is not given proper treatment after delivery, she may end up suffering infections, infertility and other serious consequences.
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.