Can I Receive Compensation for Ongoing Medical Expenses Related to My Child’s Birth Injury?

Birth injuries are an unfortunate reality many families face, often leading to a lifetime of medical care and significant ongoing medical expenses. The struggle of coping with a child's birth injury can be compounded by the financial stress associated with long-term healthcare costs. Fortunately, the legal system provides avenues for families to seek justice and financial relief, but navigating these waters can be challenging.

This is where the comprehensive knowledge of medical malpractice maintained by the team at Peter Angelos Law comes into play. Our Maryland-based law firm is highly experienced in handling birth injury cases. We understand that the legal realm can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotional and financial challenges posed by your child's birth injury. Our aim is to shoulder the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your child's well-being and recovery.

Our extensive experience in this field allows us to understand the intricacies of these cases, including the medical aspects and how they interplay with Maryland law. Peter Angelos Law believes in not only pursuing compensation for immediate medical expenses, but also considering the long-term expenses associated with a child's birth injury. This compensation could include future surgeries, therapies, and home accommodations necessary for your child's care.

Don’t hesistate, call us today at 410-705-2405.

Understanding Birth Injuries 

Understanding birth injuries is the first step in the pursuit of compensation for the ongoing medical expenses that may arise. Birth injuries can range in severity from minor temporary complications to severe, lifelong conditions.

Minor birth injuries can include superficial bruising or minor fractures that heal with time. However, severe birth injuries, such as brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation during childbirth, can have significant long-term consequences. These might manifest as developmental delays, physical disabilities, or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. In many birth injuries, immediate intervention and lifelong care are necessary, leading to a substantial financial burden for the affected families.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice and medical negligence play a substantial role in many birth injury cases. Medical malpractice refers to a situation where a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to patient harm. In the context of birth injuries, this could involve errors in prenatal care, mistakes made during delivery, or improper postnatal care.

For instance, a medical provider may fail to properly monitor the baby's heart rate during delivery, resulting in a delayed response to fetal distress. This could potentially cause oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain damage. Other examples might include the inappropriate use of birth-assisting tools or a failure to perform a necessary cesarean section in a timely manner.

Disease Control

Disease control also has a role to play in the context of birth injuries. Certain maternal infections, if not properly managed during pregnancy, can lead to birth injuries. For instance, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications. Appropriate disease control measures, such as regular screenings and treatments during prenatal care, are therefore crucial in preventing such birth injuries.

You should never be left out of pocket when it comes to paying for the medical care your child needs following an injury caused by the negligence of a medical provider. This is why it is so important that you discuss your case with a skilled birth injury attorney who can ensure you recover compensation that allows you to provide the highest level of medical care to your child for as long as they need it.

Legal Aspects of Birth Injury Cases

Navigating the legal landscape of birth injury cases can be overwhelming, but understanding the key components, including birth injury claims, lawsuits, and the role of medical malpractice, can provide a solid foundation.

Filing a Claim 

A birth injury claim is usually the initial step taken when you suspect your child's birth injury is due to medical malpractice or negligence. These claims are essentially formal complaints lodged against the healthcare provider whose actions, or lack thereof, resulted in the injury. Common reasons for filing a birth injury claim include improper use of medical equipment during birth, failure to perform a necessary cesarean section, failure to respond adequately to fetal distress signals, or even errors in medication administered during labor and delivery.

Birth Injury Lawsuit

If a resolution cannot be reached through the initial claim, the next step may involve escalating to a birth injury lawsuit or a medical malpractice lawsuit. This lawsuit is a legal action taken against the medical provider to seek compensation for the damages incurred due to the birth injury. A lawsuit often involves a more detailed investigation into the event, including obtaining medical records, consulting medical experts, and collecting evidence to demonstrate the provider's negligence or malpractice.

When a lawsuit is successful, the court often awards damages. In the context of medical malpractice, damages can be divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the financial losses incurred as a result of the injury, including past and future medical expenses, cost of therapy, rehabilitation, special education, and even lost wages if a parent has to reduce work hours or quit their job to care for the child. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are awarded for the intangible losses associated with the injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life's enjoyment.

Role of a Birth Injury Lawyer 

The process of pursuing a birth injury lawsuit involves multiple stages, including discovery (gathering evidence), negotiation (attempting to reach a settlement), and possibly trial (if a settlement can't be reached). It's crucial to remember that while you can file a lawsuit independently, having an experienced birth injury lawyer or birth injury attorney to guide you through this process can make a significant difference in your case's outcome. These advocates have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding birth injuries, and they have the skills and resources to effectively argue your case.

An attorney-client relationship is pivotal in these cases. Your lawyer will work closely with you, keeping you informed at every stage of the process and representing your interests in all discussions and negotiations. It's also their responsibility to ensure that all legal documents and forms, including the initial claim, are accurately and timely filed. So, when you decide to file a birth injury claim or lawsuit, it is crucial to find an experienced lawyer who you trust and feel comfortable with.

Remember, the goal of filing a lawsuit is not only to seek justice but also to ensure that you receive sufficient compensation to cover the ongoing medical expenses and other costs associated with your child's birth injury. By understanding the legal aspects of birth injury cases and working with an experienced birth injury attorney, you improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Compensation and Settlements

One of the critical aspects of a birth injury lawsuit is the potential for birth injury compensation. This financial compensation aims to cover the costs associated with the injury, providing families with the means to address both present and future medical and non-medical expenses. Birth injury lawsuit settlements or awards can significantly alleviate the financial burden families face.

Compensation Amount

The amount of compensation can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case. Some families may receive thousands of dollars, while others may receive compensation in the millions. It is not unheard of for settlements or awards to reach a million dollars or more, particularly in cases of severe birth injuries that will require lifelong care and support.

Several factors affect the amount of compensation awarded in birth injury settlements. The severity of the injury, the degree of negligence or malpractice involved, the impact of the injury on the child's life, and the associated costs, both present and future, all play a role.

Types of Compensation

If you are filing a birth injury lawsuit, you may be able to seek compensation for the following damages: 

• Medical costs - These costs can include hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any specialized medical care necessary for the child's condition. For example, a child with cerebral palsy might need regular physical and occupational therapy, specialized equipment, and possibly even home modifications to accommodate their mobility needs.
• Future care costs - A severe birth injury may necessitate ongoing, long-term care, including rehabilitation services, personal care assistance, and potentially residential care in the future. These costs can add up significantly over the child's lifetime and are often a substantial component of the compensation.
• Non-economic damages - This compensation can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life's enjoyment. These damages recognize the emotional and psychological impact of the birth injury on the child and the family.

Healthcare costs also extend beyond immediate medical treatment. They can include the cost of mental health services for the child and other family members, as well as other supportive therapies such as speech or occupational therapy.

It's important to note that calculating these costs and effectively arguing for their inclusion in a settlement or lawsuit requires the touch of an experienced birth injury attorney. They can help ensure that all current and future costs are adequately considered, increasing the chances of a comprehensive settlement that will truly meet the child's needs.

How Peter Angelos Law Can Help

When it comes to navigating the complexities of birth injury cases and medical malpractice lawsuits, the legal team at Peter Angelos Law can provide invaluable assistance. Our personal injury law firm is comprised of experienced lawyers, including birth injury attorneys and personal injury attorneys, our team is well-equipped to handle the various challenges that these cases can present.

Expert Knowledge

With a rich history of handling birth injury cases, we understand the intricacies of these claims. Our lawyers are familiar with the medical aspects of birth injuries, the legal requirements for demonstrating negligence or malpractice, and the strategies for effective negotiation and litigation. We've also handled numerous medical malpractice cases, further strengthening our knowledge in this area.

Our team knows each case is unique, and we approach each with the attention it deserves. We carefully review medical records, consult medical experts, and work closely with our clients to build compelling cases. We strive to secure the maximum possible compensation for each client, aiming to cover all current and future costs associated with the birth injury.

Client Experience

Beyond our legal abilities, we also prioritize our clients' experience. We understand that dealing with a birth injury is emotionally and financially challenging, and we aim to support our clients through every step of the legal process. We maintain open communication, providing regular updates and ensuring that our clients understand what is happening at each stage of their case.

In addition, we also offer a free consultation for families considering legal action. This consultation provides an opportunity for you to discuss your case with one of our experienced lawyers, understand your legal options, and ask any questions you might have. This step is crucial in deciding the best course of action for your particular circumstances.

At Peter Angelos Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights and welfare of children affected by birth injuries. We understand the impact that these injuries can have on a child's life and the lives of their families. Our legal team, which includes some of the most experienced birth injury lawyers in the field, is committed to helping you pursue justice and secure the compensation necessary to meet your child's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a birth injury?

A birth injury refers to any harm or damage that a baby suffers during labor and delivery. These injuries can range from minor, temporary issues to severe, long-term conditions like cerebral palsy. Birth injuries may result from various factors, including medical malpractice.

What is considered medical malpractice in a birth injury case?

Medical malpractice in a birth injury case refers to a situation where a medical provider fails to adhere to the standard of care required in the circumstance, resulting in injury. This negligence could involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management during the birthing process. Examples could include improper use of birth instruments, failure to respond to fetal distress, or delaying necessary medical procedures such as a cesarean section.

What is a birth injury claim or lawsuit?

Birth injury lawsuits and claims are a legal action taken by the parents of a child who suffered a birth injury due to the suspected negligence or malpractice of a medical provider. The aim is to seek financial compensation to cover medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The process usually starts with a claim, and if resolution cannot be reached, it might escalate to a lawsuit.

What compensation can I expect from a birth injury lawsuit?

Compensation from a birth injury lawsuit can cover various costs, including past and future medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, and loss of life's enjoyment. The amount varies based on several factors, such as the severity of the injury, the level of negligence, and the impact on the child's and family's life.

If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to pursue compensation for your loss of companionship and funeral costs.

How can Peter Angelos Law help me with my birth injury case?

Peter Angelos Law can provide comprehensive legal assistance in your birth injury case. Our team of experienced birth injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys understand the complexities that come with a medical malpractice claim and have a successful track record in handling them. We work closely with you, examining medical records, consulting with medical experts, negotiating birth injury settlements, and if necessary, preparing a compelling case for court.

We also offer a free consultation, where you can discuss your case and understand your legal options. We aim to secure the maximum compensation to cover all the current and future costs associated with your child's injury. Our goal is to stand by your side, provide the advice and knowledge you need, and help you seek justice for your child.

Contact Peter Angelos Law Today!

Birth injuries can leave families with significant emotional and financial burdens. From extensive medical expenses to the cost of long-term care, families often face challenges they had not anticipated. However, it's crucial to understand that if your child's birth injury was due to the negligence or malpractice of a medical provider, you have the right to pursue legal action and seek compensation.

At Peter Angelos Law, we're dedicated to helping families like yours navigate the legal complexities of birth injury claims and lawsuits. Our experienced lawyers, well-versed in medical malpractice cases and birth injury law, are ready to fight for your rights and your child's future. We strive to secure the maximum possible compensation to help cover your child's medical costs, future care costs, and other related expenses.

If you're facing the challenges of a birth injury and considering legal action, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, the first step in seeking justice for your child is understanding your legal options. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced birth injury attorneys today. We're ready to listen, guide, and fight for your family's rights. At Peter Angelos Law, we're here to help you turn a distressing situation into a path toward justice and financial support for your child's needs.

Call us at 410-705-2405.