Okemos Birth Injury Lawyers

Helping Families in Okemos, MI

When a baby is born, parents expect their child to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In some instances, a baby may suffer a birth injury due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional. These injuries can be devastating and may result in lifelong disabilities and complications.

At Grewal Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a birth injury can have on a family. Our Okemos birth injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you and your child are owed. We have successfully handled numerous birth injury cases and have a proven track record of success. Our team is prepared to put our extensive experience and resources to work for you.

Call our firm today at (517) 245-0700 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you with your birth injury case. We offer free initial consultations.

What is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury is an injury that occurs to a baby during the labor and delivery process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural complications, genetic conditions, and medical negligence. When a birth injury is caused by the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, the parents may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:

• Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination. It can result from brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth due to oxygen deprivation, infections, or other complications.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: These affect the nerves controlling the arms and hands, often due to excessive pulling or stretching during birth, leading to conditions like Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy.
• Caput Succedaneum: This is the swelling of a newborn's scalp, typically caused by pressure or trauma during delivery.
• Cephalohematoma: Bleeding between the skull and its covering (periosteum), resulting in a lump on the baby's head. It often resolves on its own.
• Facial Paralysis: Pressure on a baby's face during birth can cause facial nerve damage, resulting in temporary or, rarely, permanent paralysis.
• Fractures: Bone fractures, often the clavicle or collarbone, can occur during difficult deliveries.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the baby's skull can lead to various complications, depending on the location and severity.
• Perinatal Asphyxia: Insufficient oxygen supply to the baby during birth can lead to brain damage and other health issues.
• Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This results from oxygen deprivation to the brain, potentially causing long-term neurological problems.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the baby's eye, usually due to pressure changes during delivery, often resolving without treatment.
• Perinatal Stroke: Strokes occurring around the time of birth can lead to brain damage and various neurological issues.
• Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding into the brain's ventricles, often occurring in premature babies due to the fragility of blood vessels.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels in newborns, which can lead to seizures, developmental delays, and other complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can occur due to excessive force during delivery, leading to damage in the spinal cord and subsequent neurological issues.
• Skull Fractures: In rare cases, the pressure exerted during birth can cause fractures in the baby's skull.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Tears, bruising, or damage to soft tissues (muscles, ligaments) during birth can lead to discomfort or limited movement for the newborn.
• Birth-related Infections: Infections contracted during delivery can lead to various complications for the newborn.

Who is Liable for a Birth Injury?

Determining liability for a birth injury can be complex and typically involves various parties. Here are some entities that might be held liable:

• Healthcare Providers: Obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and other medical professionals involved in prenatal care, labor, and delivery can be held responsible if their negligence or improper actions lead to a birth injury. For instance, if a doctor fails to diagnose a condition during pregnancy or doesn't respond appropriately during delivery, they could be held liable.
• Hospitals or Healthcare Facilities: Institutions where the birth occurs can be held accountable for inadequate policies, staffing issues, or negligent practices that contribute to birth injuries. This might include issues such as understaffing leading to inadequate monitoring during labor or insufficient training of staff.
• Medical Equipment Manufacturers: If a birth injury results from a defective medical device or equipment used during labor or delivery, the manufacturer might be held liable for the injury.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: In some cases, if medications administered during pregnancy or delivery cause harm to the baby, the pharmaceutical company might be held responsible.
• Other Responsible Parties: Depending on the circumstances, other individuals or entities involved in the care or delivery process, such as an anesthesiologist, may also be held accountable if their actions or negligence contributed to the birth injury.

Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation and expert opinion to establish whether negligence or substandard care directly caused the birth injury. It's advisable for families affected by a birth injury to seek legal counsel experienced in medical malpractice or personal injury cases. These attorneys can help navigate the complexities of the legal system and pursue compensation for the damages caused by the birth injury.

At Grewel Law, we understand the complexities surrounding birth injury cases and the emotional toll they take on families. Our experienced birth injury lawyers in Okemos possess the expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case. We work closely with medical experts to assess the care provided and identify any negligence or malpractice that led to the birth injury.

Our dedicated team strives to navigate the legal intricacies, determine liability, and pursue justice on your behalf. With our compassionate guidance and relentless advocacy, we aim to secure the compensation needed for your child's care and future. You don't have to face this challenging situation alone—we're here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today at (517) 245-0700 to let us help you and your child during this challenging time.