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Dedicated West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney Helping Families After Birth Injuries
When a child’s birth is marred by a serious injury due to medical negligence, families are left grappling with shock, sorrow, and uncertainty about the future. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we are committed to supporting families during these challenging times. Our skilled team in West Virginia works tirelessly to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and obtain financial compensation for the cost of medical treatments and other damages.
Understanding Birth Injuries
Medical advancements have significantly reduced the risks associated with childbirth, but when healthcare providers fail to adhere to professional standards, the consequences can be devastating. If carelessness or delays in action occur, both the mother and the baby may sustain severe or even fatal injuries.
Some estimates indicate that approximately six to eight babies out of every 1,000 born in the United States suffer a birth injury, with 80% of these cases classified as moderate to severe. Whether you’re seeking assistance from a West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney or a West Virginia car accident lawyer, Mountaineer Criminal Law Group is here to provide expert guidance.
When Do Birth Injuries Occur?
Birth injuries can happen at various stages of the childbirth process. Our group handles cases across the following scenarios:
During Pregnancy
- Failure to diagnose potential complications during pregnancy can result in preventable harm. For instance, healthcare providers may neglect advising mothers on essential precautions, such as bed rest or limited mobility.
During Labor
- Medical staff must closely monitor oxygen levels and vital signs. Failure to respond promptly to complications, or neglecting to perform an emergency C-section, may result in permanent damage.
During Delivery
- Improper use of tools like forceps or suction devices during delivery may cause significant injuries to both the baby and mother, including fractures or tissue trauma.
Postnatal Period
- Mishandling of premature or vulnerable newborns can lead to long-lasting harm. Prompt, careful medical attention is critical to ensuring the baby’s well-being.
At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we meticulously review medical records to uncover evidence of substandard care. Our extensive experience equips us to recognize when families may have a valid legal claim.
Types of Birth Injuries
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Damage to the nerve network that extends from the spine through the neck and into the arms can result in conditions such as Erb’s Palsy. Severe brachial plexus injuries lead to permanent paralysis in about 10% of cases.
Bone Fractures
Excessive pressure can lead to fractures in infants, such as broken collarbones, during delivery.
Perinatal Asphyxia
When oxygen deprivation occurs during childbirth, babies may suffer consequences ranging from labored breathing and seizures to permanent nerve damage.
Intracranial or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Bleeding within the infant’s skull poses life-threatening risks and demands immediate medical intervention.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A burst blood vessel in the baby’s eye may occur due to improper obstetric procedures, leaving a noticeable red spot.
Facial Paralysis
Improper pressure or trauma during birth could cause temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to facial paralysis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Trauma resulting from incorrect use of forceps or excessive force may affect an infant’s spinal cord, causing paralysis or long-term neurologic problems.
Cerebral Palsy
This life-altering condition, often caused by birth trauma or abnormal development, leads to tightened muscles, poor motor skills, and other health challenges.
Why Quick Action Matters
Under West Virginia state law, parents have up to two years from the date of the injury—or the discovery of the injury—to file a lawsuit. Swift action ensures critical witness accounts remain fresh and hospital records are more easily accessible.
If your family has been affected by a birth injury, it’s vital to speak with a West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible. Pursuing legal recourse may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Mountaineer Criminal Law Group is here to help.
Contact a Trusted West Virginia Birth Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we represent plaintiffs in a range of birth injury cases caused by medical negligence. With offices in West Virginia, we are dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy for families seeking justice.
Call us today at 304-202-5835 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. Your family deserves an advocate who will fight to protect your child’s future.