Arizona Birth Injury Lawyers
Childbirth is a special moment in a parent’s life. It should be filled with joy. Unfortunately, the medical staff entrusted with your care can make mistakes that can lead to birth injuries – complications that can cause lifelong issues for your child. These mistakes can be a result of negligent behavior or medical malpractice. Birth injuries can be complex, often involving many diagnoses. For example, a child may experience both oxygen deprivation (HIE) and a brain bleed from trauma at birth. These injuries can result from medical malpractice and lead to long-term disabilities like cerebral palsy. Some developmental delays may not become apparent until your child misses important milestones.
If you or your loved one experienced a birth injury in Arizona, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses and other care that your child may need. An experienced Arizona birth injury lawyer will be your advocate to protect your rights and safeguard your child’s future.
Why Choose ABC Law Centers?
At ABC Law Centers, we understand that facing a birth injury is one of the most challenging and heartbreaking experiences a family can endure. When your dreams for your child’s future are suddenly clouded by uncertainty, you need more than just legal representation – you need a team that truly cares.
Since 1997, we have dedicated ourselves exclusively to birth injury cases, not just as a legal practice, but as a mission to support families like yours. Our deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of these cases allows us to build strong, comprehensive strategies tailored to your unique situation. But beyond our expertise, we bring compassion and empathy to every case we handle.
We know the emotional toll this journey can take on your family. That’s why we provide unwavering support throughout the legal process, offering a shoulder to lean on when you need it most. At our firm, we give each case the personalized attention it deserves. Our collaboration with renowned medical, economic, and forensic experts ensures that we explore every avenue to secure the best possible outcome for your child’s future.
We work with a network of trusted birth injury attorneys in every state, including Arizona, to serve families nationwide. Our dedication to families like yours has earned us recognition in the field of birth injury law, but our true reward is the peace of mind we bring to the families we serve.
Common Birth Injuries
Some of the more common types of birth injury cases our attorneys have handled include one or more of the following conditions:
- Cerebral palsy, a permanent disability affecting motor control
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), when a baby does not get enough oxygen
- A high-risk pregnancy, which must be appropriately monitored to avoid risk of birth injury
- A delayed emergency C-section, which can cause the baby to suffer from a lack of oxygen or other complications
- Umbilical cord problems
- Infant seizures, often associated with brain injury from a lack of oxygen
- Brain bleed
- Other birth injuries, which can create conditions for the baby to suffer from oxygen deprivation
How Frequently Do Birth Injuries Happen?
According to an analysis of yearly trends, the prevalence of birth injury is “1 per 1000 hospital births.” Severe cases of neonatal birth trauma were associated with:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
- Meconium aspiration (when a baby breathes in feces in the womb)
- Seizures
- Ventilation
- Sepsis
However, not all birth injuries are immediately noticeable. Certain injuries may cause delays that do not show up until later in a child’s life. They may not meet specific milestones compared to other children in their age group. Due to this factor, the number of reported birth injuries may be lower than actual cases. Doctors and hospitals might also be reluctant to report injuries, and strict patient confidentiality rules can limit the sharing of detailed information.
Additionally, the focus of many health agencies and organizations tends to be on more commonly-tracked birth statistics, such as mortality rates and birth weights, rather than specific injury data.
Birth injuries can happen for many reasons, but they are often preventable. In many cases, a birth injury could have been avoided if the medical staff followed proper standards of care.
Signs and Symptoms of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can manifest in various ways, with some signs appearing immediately after birth and others developing over time. Understanding these signs is crucial for medical providers as well as parents and caregivers.
Immediate Signs in Newborns
- Visible injuries like bruising or swelling on the head, face, or shoulders
- Seizures within 48 hours of birth
- Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing patterns
- Unusually pale or bluish skin color
- Lack of movement or unusual limpness in limbs
- Arched back while crying
- Excessive fussiness or sensitivity to touch
- Problems with feeding or suckling
- Unusual eye movements or favoring one side of the body
Long-term Symptoms That May Appear Later
- Delayed developmental milestones (e.g., rolling over, sitting up, crawling)
- Poor coordination or balance
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Speech or language delays
- Cognitive impairments or learning disabilities
- Muscle stiffness or weakness (signs of cerebral palsy)
- Vision or hearing problems
- Behavioral issues or mood disorders
- Chronic pain or sensitivity
- Growth delays
Some of these symptoms may be subtle or develop gradually. Regular check-ups with pediatricians and close observation of a child’s development are crucial for early detection and intervention.
If you suspect your child’s injuries were caused by medical malpractice, it’s important to talk with an experienced Arizona birth injury attorney as soon as possible. If your child exhibits these symptoms or any unexpected health issues shortly after birth, it’s important to consult with both medical professionals and experienced birth injury lawyers to evaluate the possibility of malpractice.
Potential Types of Medical Negligence Leading to Birth Injuries
Medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, and delivery can lead to serious birth injuries. Common forms of negligence include:
Failure to Properly Monitor Fetal Distress
Healthcare providers should closely watch the baby’s heart rate and other vital signs during labor. Missing signs of distress or slow responses can result in oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
Improper Use of Birthing Tools
Forceps and vacuum extractors can be helpful in difficult deliveries, but must be used carefully by a skilled doctor. Incorrect use or too much force can cause:
- Head injuries
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
Medication Errors During Pregnancy or Labor
Problems can arise from:
- Giving the wrong medication.
- Incorrect dosages.
- Failing to consider harmful drug interactions.
Drugs like Pitocin or Cytotec could lead to complications during labor if not administered correctly.
These types of medical negligence can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health and development. Healthcare providers must follow proper procedures and exercise caution to ensure the safety of both mother and baby during the birthing process.
Filing a Birth Injury Claim in Arizona
Filing a birth injury claim in Arizona involves several important steps. Understanding this process can help families prepare for what lies ahead as they seek justice for their child.
Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the details of your case, and the lawyer will evaluate the potential for a successful claim. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about your legal rights and options. Based on this consultation, you and the lawyer will decide whether to proceed with the case.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
If you decide to move forward, the next phase involves a thorough investigation. Lawyers will review medical records in detail and consult with medical experts to understand the nature and cause of the injury. They will identify potential defendants, which may include doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare providers.
If applicable, witness statements will be gathered. The investigation also involves assessing the long-term impact of the injury and calculating potential damages, including medical costs and future care needs.
Filing the Claim
Once the investigation is complete, your lawyer will prepare and file a complaint in the appropriate court. This complaint outlines the allegations against the defendants. After the defendants are served with the complaint, they have a set time to respond. The court then sets a schedule for the legal proceedings.
Negotiation and Potential Trial
Following the filing, both sides exchange information through a process called discovery. During this time, lawyers may engage in settlement negotiations. If a settlement is reached, the case is resolved without going to trial.
However, if no settlement is agreed upon, your lawyer will file a birth injury lawsuit and the case proceeds to trial. At trial, both sides present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who then make a final decision on liability and damages.
Throughout this entire process, your lawyer will guide you, explain each step, and represent your interests.
Arizona Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Cases
Unfortunately, there is a time limit for filing a lawsuit, called a statute of limitations. The statute may differ depending on what kind of facility the negligence or malpractice occurred in.
In Arizona, you have until your child’s 20th birthday to file a birth injury lawsuit.
However, it’s advisable to start the process as early as possible to ensure the best chance of success.
Contact ABC Law Centers for Help with Your Birth Injury Case
Choosing ABC Law Centers means choosing a team that will stand by you, fight for you, and support you every step of the way. We’re not just your lawyers – we’re your advocates, your support system, and your partners in securing the care and future your child deserves.
If you suspect your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, don’t face this challenging situation alone. The experienced attorneys at ABC Law Centers are here to help. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our team specializes exclusively in birth injury cases, giving us the expertise to handle even the most complex situations.
Don’t let time slip away. Arizona law limits how long you have to file a claim. Contact ABC Law Centers today to protect your child’s future and seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at 248-593-5100 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Let us fight for your family’s rights and secure the resources your child needs for the best possible care and quality of life. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation, and we do not charge any fees for the entire legal process unless we win.