Columbus Birth Injury Attorneys

Providing Compassionate & Dedicated Representation

Few if any events in people’s lives create more joy than the birth of a child. Unfortunately, this joy sometimes changes to sorrow, pain, and a lifetime of special needs and disabilities as the result of trauma during birth. 

A birth injury is any harm caused to an infant during the process of labor and delivery. These injuries can range from mild bruising to severe, lifelong conditions. While some birth injuries are unavoidable, others are the result of preventable medical errors or negligence. Birth injuries may involve physical harm to the baby, the mother, or both. 

While sometimes unavoidable, sadly, many forms of birth trauma such as brain injuries and paralysis are avoidable, but they can occur due to errors on the part of healthcare professionals.

These errors can include:

• Failure to recognize and respond to decreased oxygen or blood supply to the baby during labor and delivery
• Medication errors
• Misuse of surgical tools
• Improper use of forceps or suction
• Delayed C-section
• Failure to diagnose fetal distress

At Rourke & Blumenthal, our experienced Columbus birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families who have been affected by medical malpractice during childbirth. We understand the emotional and financial strain that comes with these cases, and we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to ensure you and your child receive the justice you deserve.

If you believe your child may have sustained a serious birth injury as a result of medical negligence, please contact our Columbus birth injury attorneys at (614) 321-3212.

Types of Birth Injuries Handled by Our Birth Injury Lawyers Columbus

Birth injuries can affect the baby in various ways, with some injuries being temporary and others requiring long-term care. Common birth injuries include:

• Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb’s Palsy): Caused by excessive pulling of the baby during delivery, often when the shoulder becomes stuck (shoulder dystocia). It can lead to paralysis of the arm or hand.
• Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder caused by brain damage during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. It affects motor skills and coordination and may require lifelong care.
• Fractures: Bone fractures, such as clavicle (collarbone) fractures, can occur during difficult deliveries.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the baby’s brain, often caused by the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, can result in long-term developmental disabilities.
• Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy): If the baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during delivery, it can lead to brain damage, developmental delays, or death.
• Cephalohematoma: A collection of blood between the baby’s skull and the covering membrane, typically caused by the use of forceps or vacuum during delivery. In most cases, a cephalohematoma will resolve on its own; however, in some instances, it can lead to complications such as anemia or jaundice, requiring medical intervention. It is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor this condition closely to manage any developing issues effectively.

Causes of Birth Injuries Your Birth Injury Attorney Can Explain

While many birth injuries are unavoidable, others are caused by medical negligence. Common causes of preventable birth injuries include:

• Failure to monitor fetal heart rate: If the baby’s heart rate drops dangerously low during labor and delivery, immediate intervention is required to prevent brain injury. Regular monitoring is vital to detect signs of fetal distress early and take appropriate actions.
• Improper use of delivery instruments: The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery can cause injuries if not performed correctly. Ensuring that medical staff is properly trained in these procedures can reduce the risk of injury significantly.
• Failure to perform a timely C-section: If a C-section is needed but delayed, the baby may suffer oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage or other injuries. Decision-making must be prompt when signs indicate the necessity of a C-section to prevent unnecessary risks.
• Failure to diagnose and treat infections: Infections like Group B strep or maternal infections can be passed on to the baby during labor, leading to birth injuries. Early detection and treatment are critical in avoiding transmission and subsequent complications.
• Failure to recognize and manage shoulder dystocia: When the baby’s shoulders become stuck during delivery, prompt action is required to avoid nerve damage and other injuries. Implementing proper techniques to address shoulder dystocia can minimize adverse outcomes.

Success & Justice: Our Birth Injury Verdicts & Settlements

Regarded as one of Ohio’s top medical negligence law firms, our birth injury attorneys in Columbus have extensive experience handling all types of birth injury cases. These include cases ranging from brachial plexus injuries and Erb's palsy to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Our commitment to securing favorable verdicts and settlements has offered financial relief and justice to many families affected by birth-related injuries. We work tirelessly to ensure that victims receive compensation to manage medical expenses, therapy, and future healthcare needs.

Why Work With Our Team of Birth Injury Attorneys?

The birth injury attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal have helped numerous parents recover damages for children injured as a result of errors or mistakes by healthcare professionals. Our birth injury lawyers utilize professionals to determine whether errors occurred in the care provided during labor and delivery, as well as what injuries were sustained by the baby as a result of these errors.

Rourke & Blumenthal works with physicians specializing in many areas, including:

• Pediatric development
• Rehabilitation
• Neurology
• Life care planning

By working with medical professionals, we can determine the special needs of the injured baby and outline what form of assistance and care the child will need now and in the future. The goal of Rourke & Blumenthal in birth trauma claims is to recover what is needed to provide the best possible care to the injured child and to help him or her to have the highest quality of life possible.

Contact Our Columbus Birth Injury Lawyers Today

Birth injuries can be life-altering, leaving both the child and the family to cope with long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unfortunately, some birth injuries are caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. If your child has sustained a birth injury due to preventable errors, you may be entitled to compensation to help with medical expenses, therapy, and other costs associated with raising a child with a birth injury.

Related Readings:

• Children with Birth Injuries & Cost of Raising Them
• Identifying Some Common Birth Injuries