A birth injury can have long-lasting, far-reaching effects for the child as well as for the parents. It might require significant medical treatment (and expenses) in the short and long term. It might also result in disability that the child has to live with for the rest of his or her life.

If the injury is the result of medical negligence by a doctor or other healthcare professional, parents may pursue compensation for the damages it causes. The Holland Law Group helps parents explore and exercise legal options in the event of a birth injury related to malpractice. With office locations in Vancouver and Mercer Island, our birth injury law firm serves all cities of Washington State including Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma.

We Handle Various Types of Birth Injury Cases

The birth injury lawyers at the Holland Law Group help parents with a variety of birth injuries. Some are listed below.

• Brachial plexus injury (Erb’s palsy).
• Fractures.
• Cephalohematoma.
• Cerebral palsy.
• And, facial paralysis.

But the presence of a birth injury does not automatically warrant taking legal action. We perform an investigation of your case to help you determine what caused or contributed to the injury so we can start exploring liability.

Determining the Cause of Your Child’s Birth Injury

Birth injuries typically occur during labor or delivery. Some are the result of events during the pregnancy. There is a wide range of possible causes and contributing factors that might be to blame. Some are the result of genetics or uncontrollable factors, others are the result of mistakes a healthcare professional makes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.

Some examples of medical negligence that might lead to birth injuries are outlined below.

• Oxygen deprivation during birth – this might be the result of a number of factors (like umbilical cord compression) and can lead to long-term brain damage. Some cases of oxygen deprivation are the result of the natural birthing process, and may not be physician-created. But failure to appropriately respond to oxygen deprivation could be negligent.
• Injury from misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors – when doctors use forceps and other tools inappropriately, the infant may suffer injury, although minor scratches or bruises are not uncommon and typically heal on their own.
• Failure to monitor the mother and child – some healthcare professionals might fail to watch the mother’s and baby’s vital signs during labor and delivery, which might lead to injuries in the event of fetal distress. Prescribing dangerous medication – if a doctor prescribes a pregnant mother drugs that harm the baby, he or she might be liable for any resultant birth injuries.

These are just a few examples. In some cases, the birth injury is the result of a combination of one or more of these factors. It is not easy in many cases to identify the cause of the birth injury.

Our lawyers will investigate the case details to determine if the doctor violated a standard of care, and if evidence or expert medical testimony reveals that the negligence led to injury. Discuss your case in greater detail with the Holland Law Group for more specific information about your case.

The Holland Law Group Accounts for All Damages You Suffer

If you are dealing with the trauma of your child’s birth injury, you must consider that the injury can lead to expensive, long-term complications.

Your baby may require some if not all of the following.

• extensive hospitalization.
• surgery.
• a long-term medication program.
• physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• • and, modifications to your home or vehicle to support his or her needs.

Our attorneys help you determine which damages you may recover, in addition to exploring the cause of the birth injury and liability for it. Speak with an attorney at the Holland Law Group in Mercer Island to understand your legal rights and those of your child to recover compensation. Call 206-508-7777 to request a free consultation.