Ann Arbor Birth Injury Lawyers

When the arrival of a new baby is marred by unexpected medical challenges, life can feel overwhelming. If your child suffered a birth injury, you may be wrestling with grief, confusion, and uncertainty about the future. At ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, we understand your pain. These situations aren’t your fault, and you deserve answers, accountability, and resources to help your child thrive.

Birth injuries caused by medical negligence aren’t merely accidents—they’re preventable mistakes that can impact your child’s entire life. Seeking justice through a birth injury claim is not just about financial compensation. It’s about securing the vital resources your child will need and holding healthcare providers accountable for their actions.

If you’re searching for an Ann Arbor birth injury lawyer, we’re here to help. Our compassionate legal team handles some of the most complex birth injury cases in the state and across the nation, including neurologically and physically devastating conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore how we can support your family.

At ABC Law Centers, we’ve dedicated our entire practice to helping families whose children have been harmed by negligence during childbirth. We are not a general practice law firm. Birth injuries are all we handle. This focus allows us to provide tailored legal strategies designed to meet the unique needs of your family.

Families in Ann Arbor and across Michigan trust us for our experience and compassion. Here’s why:

• Exclusive Focus on Birth Injury Cases
  With over 25 years of experience in birth injury law, we’re uniquely qualified to take on even the most challenging cases. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation to provide children with critical medical, educational, and caregiving resources.
• In-House Medical Experts
  Birth injury cases are complex, requiring expertise in both legal and medical matters. To strengthen your claim, our in-house registered nursing staff collaborates closely with attorneys, offering insight into labor, delivery, and neonatal care practices.
• Serving Michigan for 25+ Years
  While our team can handle cases across the country, our only office and headquarters are in Michigan. Our team will personally attend to your needs.
• No Fees Unless We Win
  Our firm provides legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation for your family.

Choosing ABC Law Centers means you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares about your family’s well-being. You deserve an advocate who understands the heartbreak of birth injuries and will fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

Over the years, we have made substantial contributions to a variety of projects run by the University of Michigan health system (Michigan Medicine) and other university departments. 

Most notably, ABC Law Centers president Jesse Reiter established The Reiter HIE Research Fund to support the research of Dr. John Barks, who is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Director of the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the University of Michigan. Dr. Barks’ clinical and laboratory work is critical to the development of new treatments for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Contribute to the fund here.

We are also actively involved with:

• The Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Research and Education, which is comprised of neonatologists who care for injured and sick newborn infants, educate future pediatric and neonatology medical professionals, and conduct cutting-edge research in the field of neonatal-perinatal medicine.
• C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which provides cutting-edge pediatric treatment. Jesse Reiter and ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers have supported a variety of events and funds, including the Mott Golf Classic and the Charles Woodsen Research Fund. Learn more here.
• The Ataxia Clinic, which is involved in treating ataxia as well as conducting research into the causes of ataxia and developing new therapies. Our donation helped Dr. Vikram Shakkottai and his colleagues. They are researching how changes in cerebellar physiology can affect ataxia disorders, and if ion channel modulators can be used to treat motor disorders. They are passionate about the prevention and treatment of ataxia, as well as working toward a cure.
• Research on artificial placenta technology, which could help very premature babies survive and develop. One of the biggest risks facing preemies is their underdeveloped lungs; they are often unable to provide the brain, heart, and other major organs with enough oxygen. This can lead to brain damage, permanent disabilities, and even death. In a U of M Health Lab Blog, Beata Mostafavi notes that an artificial placenta, “could revolutionize the treatment of extreme prematurity.” 
• The Jerry Isler Neuromuscular Fund, which supported the development of Nerve Whiz, a free cell phone app that serves as a diagnostic tool. It allows doctors to note areas of muscle weakness or sensory loss on a picture of a limb. Nerve Whiz then provides a list of the areas of the nervous system that are likely to be involved. 
• The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which houses a multidisciplinary team of experts. According to their web page, they strive “to help every individual maximize functional performance and achieve independence and community integration.” 
• The Child & Family Life Program, which aims to reduce stress caused by pediatric illnesses and hospitalizations. They provide a variety of services, such as activity centers, art therapy, and a hospital school program. 
• The Epilepsy Discovery Fund, which supports research on a variety of topics, such as the causes of seizures, how to detect seizures early, and the relationship between epilepsy and sleep. 
• Reach Out and Read (ROR), which was created in order to combat illiteracy by making it a part of primary care. ROR provides a new book to children from low-income families between 6 months and 5 years old that they can take home with them. Since their beginning in 1997, over 250,000 books have been donated. 
• Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides temporary housing (close to the hospitals) and support to families with sick children, among a variety of other initiatives. Rebecca Walsh, partner and birth injury attorney at ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, served on the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Board of Directors from 2009-2015. Learn more about RMHC here.
• The Michigan Law School Fund, which helps to provide scholarship opportunities for Michigan Law students and supports the Michigan Law faculty. It also enables the law school to run curricular activities such as the Legal Practice Program and the Clinical Law Program. Our annual Disability Advocacy Scholarship also assists law students pursuing a career in disability advocacy.

A birth injury is a harm that occurs to an infant during labor or delivery. While not every complication during childbirth qualifies as a birth injury, many cases are preventable. When healthcare professionals fail to uphold the standards of care expected of them—whether through inaction, improper techniques, or poor decision-making—the results can be devastating to the infant and their family.

Birth injuries often stem from medical negligence during labor and delivery. Examples include:

• Failing to promptly identify and respond to fetal distress (signs like irregular heart rates)
• Delayed decision-making regarding necessary C-sections
• Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
• Improper administration of labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin or Cytotec
• Poor monitoring of maternal and infant health during childbirth

These errors can lead to disruptions in oxygen delivery or physical trauma, resulting in long-term medical conditions or disabilities. Birth injuries differ from natural birth complications—they occur because someone made a preventable mistake.

Certain birth injuries are linked to medical negligence. Some of the conditions we routinely handle include:

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
  HIE is a type of brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation during childbirth. This condition can lead to cerebral palsy, learning impairments, or developmental delays. Babies requiring cooling therapy or presenting with seizures shortly after delivery are often diagnosed with HIE.
• Cerebral Palsy
  Often caused by preventable brain injuries during or shortly after birth, cerebral palsy affects movement, coordination, and motor skills. Negligent use of delivery tools or inadequate oxygen supply can lead to this lifelong condition.
• Neonatal Seizures
  Seizures in newborns are frequently linked to birth trauma, oxygen deprivation, or untreated infections—all of which may indicate negligence.
• Fetal Monitoring and C-Section Errors
  Care providers must closely monitor fetal heart rates during labor. A failure to recognize signs of fetal distress or delays in ordering a C-section can result in severe harm.

Every case is different, but the common thread in these injuries is preventability. If your child suffered injuries like these due to a healthcare professional’s negligence, you have the right to pursue justice.

Healthcare professionals are held to a high standard because their actions affect lives. When mistakes occur during childbirth, many individuals or entities may be held liable, including:

• Obstetricians and Medical Staff
  Doctors, nurses, midwives, and other medical personnel must act quickly and decisively during labor and delivery. Errors, delays, or poor choices can have disastrous consequences.
• Hospitals or Healthcare Facilities
  If a hospital fails to provide adequate training to staff, maintains insufficient staffing levels, or lacks access to critical diagnostic tools, they can also be held accountable.
• Labor and Delivery Teams Using Delivery Tools
  Birth injuries caused by forceps or vacuum extraction often stem from improper tool use, resulting in skull fractures, swelling, or traumatic brain injury.

Every birth injury case is unique, but our legal team works tirelessly to investigate all possible causes and uncover where negligence occurred.

Proving medical negligence requires demonstrating that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their profession. This means showing that their actions—or lack of action—directly caused harm to your child.

1. Review Medical Records
   We begin by gathering and thoroughly analyzing your medical records, labor and delivery notes, and neonatal care documentation.
2. Identify Deviation from Standard Care
   Our team compares your case to established medical practices to identify where mistakes happened. Consulting with expert witnesses plays a critical role in this process.
3. Establish Causation
   It’s not enough to show that a mistake was made; we must also prove that the error directly caused or exacerbated your child’s condition.
4. Evaluate Long-Term Needs
   Birth injuries such as HIE or cerebral palsy often require ongoing therapy, medical treatments, and specialized schooling. Evidence of future care needs strengthens your case and highlights why compensation is essential.

Our firm advocates for families by building strong cases rooted in medical evidence and expert testimony. While birth injury claims are complex, you don’t have to face this process alone.

When your child suffers from a birth injury due to medical negligence, the financial burden can feel overwhelming. Filing a birth injury claim can help secure the following forms of compensation to provide for your child’s needs:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, current, and future medical treatments, including surgeries, therapies, medications, and assistive devices.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Funding for physical, occupational, or speech therapy to support your child’s development and recovery.
• Life Care Planning: Compensation for long-term care needs, including specialized education, home modifications, or personal caregiving assistance.
• Lost Income: If you or your partner must reduce work hours or leave the workforce to care for your child, lost income can be accounted for.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary awards to recognize the emotional anguish and reduced quality of life caused by the birth injury.

Every case is unique, so the exact types of compensation you may be eligible for will depend on your child’s specific needs and circumstances.

Michigan law enforces a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a birth injury lawsuit. For medical malpractice cases, claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of the injury. However, if the injury was not immediately apparent, you may have additional time under Michigan’s “discovery rule.” This allows you to file a claim within six months of discovering the injury, provided you remain within a broader maximum time frame.

Additionally, in birth injury cases involving infants, Michigan law extends the time for filing until the child’s 10th birthday. Despite this extended timeline, it’s critical to act quickly. Prompt action allows your legal team to gather crucial evidence and build a strong case.

If you’re unsure about the timeline in your specific situation, contacting an experienced birth injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

The timeline for resolving a birth injury case varies widely based on its complexity. Sometimes, we may need time to observe the child and watch for developmental delays, trouble with motor skills, or cognitive delays. Some cases may take years to resolve a settlement or go to trial. An experienced attorney can provide realistic expectations after evaluating your case.

At ABC Law Centers, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. This ensures you can access top-tier legal representation without upfront costs. Our firm handles the costs of acquiring records and consulting experts. We only get paid if we win your case. Our firm earns a percentage of the total recovery money, and that percentage is defined by the state.

Proving negligence requires medical records, expert testimony from healthcare professionals, and evidence linking the act of negligence to your child’s injury. Our team works with medical experts and forensic specialists to gather the evidence needed for a strong claim.

When your family faces the challenges of a birth injury, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At ABC Law Centers, we focus exclusively on birth injury cases, meaning we have the experience and compassion needed to provide the support your family deserves. Here’s how we can help:

• Handle Every Step of the Legal Process: From investigating medical records to working closely with expert witnesses, we’ll take care of all aspects of your case.
• Secure Maximum Compensation: We fight aggressively to secure the resources necessary to cover medical care, therapy, and your child’s future needs.
• Provide Accessible Support: We’ll guide you through the legal process with compassion, answering your questions and keeping you informed at every stage.
• No Fees Unless We Win: Rest assured, you’ll only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your family.

Birth injuries are devastating, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Together, we can work toward justice for your child and peace of mind for your family. Contact us today at (248) 593-5100 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Jesse Reiter, president of ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, has focused solely on birth injury cases since his legal career in 1987. His cases involve hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, neonatal brain damage, and a wide variety of other birth injuries, complications, and instances of medical malpractice. 

Our birth injury attorneys make up a passionate, empathetic team ready to advocate for your family. We truly care about families like yours. We treat our clients with compassion and care, providing support at every step of this long journey. Whether it’s a reassuring phone call in the middle of the night or standing with you in court, our team will be by your side.

Attorneys with ABC Law Centers are consistently recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Lawyers in America” publication, and our firm is also recognized in their “Best Law Firms” publication. Our firm has received numerous awards for our work with medical malpractice cases. 

Other cities our Michigan birth injury lawyers serve:

Detroit▪️ Dearborn▪️ Lansing▪️ Southfield▪️ Grand Rapids