Lincoln Birth Injury Lawyer
Few moments in life are as joyous as the birth of a child. Unfortunately, such moments can be tinged with stress, sadness, and frustration when a baby suffers an injury at birth. Though some birth injuries are unavoidable, many stem from mistakes made by doctors and nurses. In such cases, parents of babies injured at birth may be entitled to compensation.
Birth injury cases can be difficult to prove without the help of a knowledgeable attorney. A Lincoln birth injury lawyer at Inkelaar Law can connect you with industry experts who can review your situation and determine whether the labor and delivery team strayed from the standard level of care. If they did, your family may be able to recover financial compensation for the costs associated with the injuries.
Types of Birth Injuries
There are a wide variety of birth injuries, many of which are permanent. Symptoms can range dramatically from mild to severe, depending on the child. Many birth injuries are obvious immediately and some do not make themselves apparent until years after the birth. However, there are several common birth injuries a child may suffer.
- Cerebral Palsy: When the brain develops abnormally, the delivery process becomes more complicated. Improper use of tools during labor can exacerbate conditions, leading to this neurological condition that can impact muscle coordination
- Erb’s Palsy: Sometimes doctors must pull on a baby to help it through the birthing canal. If they pull too hard, though, nerve injuries can occur. Nerve damage to the upper arm can lead to Erb’s palsy
- Brain Injuries: Though rare, brain injuries that occur at birth are often caused by negligent or reckless doctors. Unfortunately, they usually impact the child for the rest of their life
- Klumpke’s Palsy: A baby’s neck can stretch during the labor and delivery process, leading to nerve damage and permanent disability. Klumpke’s palsy generally leads to paralysis in the forearm and the hand.
You should consult with a Lincoln birth injury lawyer to learn more about how these types of birth defects qualify as an injury claim.
Legal Options for Families in Lincoln
No amount of money can undo the damage caused by a negligent doctor. However, a settlement can help secure the best possible care for the baby injured at birth. Settlement amounts largely depend on the severity of the injuries, but frequently include compensation for medical bills, including costs for surgeries, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy sessions.
If a parent of a disabled child needs to quit their job to provide full-time care for their baby, the wages they lose can also be factored into a settlement. Parents who opt to hire a caregiver instead can include those costs in a lawsuit. Of course, the pain and suffering endured by the infant should also be considered when seeking compensation after a birth injury. When seeking compensation, a person should always consult with a Lincoln birth injury lawyer before taking any action.
Talk to a Lincoln Birth Injury Attorney Today
The days and weeks following a complicated delivery are often filled with questions. In many cases, you may be unsure whether your doctor is to blame for your child’s injuries. Given how confusing medical procedures and terms can be, it is not surprising that many families give up trying to fully understand what went wrong. That is where a Lincoln birth injury lawyer can come in.
By working with an attorney at Inkelaar Law, you bring on a legal mind well-versed in Nebraska’s medical malpractice statutes. They can connect you with the top labor and delivery experts to help determine whether your child was indeed the victim of medical negligence. Call today to set up your confidential consultation.