Towson Birth Injury Lawyer
Most of the time, the birth of a child is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and hope for the future. However, when something goes wrong during the birthing process, the consequences can be devastating. Birth injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities, significant emotional and financial strain, and a profound impact on the entire family. At Hardball Law, we are committed to helping families in Towson and Baltimore County seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. If this terrible tragedy has befallen your family, contact Hardball Law to speak with an experienced Towson birth injury lawyer who will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Common Birth Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice
Birth injuries refer to physical harm that a newborn sustains during labor and delivery. These injuries can range from mild and temporary conditions to severe and permanent disabilities. Some common types of birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder caused by brain damage that affects movement, muscle tone, and motor skills. It can result from oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Damage to the nerves that control the arm and hand, often resulting from excessive force during delivery. Erb’s Palsy is a common form of brachial plexus injury.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly the collarbone, can occur if the baby is mishandled or if excessive force is used during delivery.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage resulting from insufficient oxygen supply during birth. HIE can lead to severe cognitive and physical impairments.
- Facial Paralysis: Pressure on the baby’s face during delivery can cause nerve damage, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
Causes of Birth Injuries
While some birth injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of medical negligence. Obstetricians, nurses, and other healthcare providers have a duty to provide competent care throughout pregnancy and childbirth. When this duty is breached, the results can be catastrophic. Common causes of birth injuries due to medical negligence include:
- Failure to Monitor: Inadequate monitoring of the mother and baby during labor can lead to missed signs of distress, resulting in delayed intervention.
- Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: Misuse of these tools during delivery can cause significant trauma to the baby, leading to injuries such as skull fractures or nerve damage.
- Delayed C-Section: A failure to timely recognize the need for a Cesarean section can result in prolonged labor, increasing the risk of birth injuries.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect administration of labor-inducing drugs or anesthesia can have harmful effects on both the mother and baby.
- Negligent Prenatal Care: Failure to properly manage and diagnose conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or infections can increase the risk of complications during delivery.
Pursuing a Birth Injury Claim in Maryland
Maryland law allows families to seek compensation for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. These claims can cover a wide range of damages, including past and future medical costs associated with treating the birth injury, such as surgeries, therapy, and assistive devices. Families can also recover non-economic “pain and suffering” damages, which is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the child and family. If the birth injury results in a lifelong disability, the family may be entitled to compensation for the child’s diminished earning potential. In addition, costs related to special education, in-home care, and other support services required due to the injury may also be recovered.
Pursuing a birth injury claim can be a complex process, requiring extensive medical knowledge and legal expertise. Several Maryland laws apply specifically to medical malpractice claims such as birth injuries, requiring, for instance, testimony from qualified medical experts that the injury was caused by a breach of the applicable standard of care. Other Maryland laws set out a different statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases compared to other personal injury claims and limit how much can be recovered. At Hardball Law, we have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and build a strong legal strategy aimed at securing maximum compensation.
Why Choose Hardball Law After a Birth Injury in Towson or Baltimore County?
At Hardball Law, we understand the profound impact that a birth injury can have on a family. Our lead attorney, Susan R. Green, is a compassionate lawyer dedicated to providing personalized legal representation, treating every client with the care and attention they deserve. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice, and we will fight tirelessly to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.
When you choose Hardball Law, you are not just hiring a lawyer—you are partnering with a team that is genuinely invested in your family’s well-being. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence in Towson or Baltimore County, it is crucial to act quickly. Maryland imposes strict time limits on filing birth injury claims, so don’t delay. Call Hardball Law today at 410-494-7400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced birth injury attorney. We are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to navigate this challenging time and secure the justice your family deserves.