Grand Rapids Birth Injury Attorneys

Helping Families in Michigan After Birth Injuries

When a child is injured, it can be one of the most difficult experiences a family ever faces. The situation can be even more challenging if the injury was caused by a medical professional’s negligence. Birth injuries can be particularly devastating, as the child is just beginning his or her life, and families can be left with a lifetime of expenses.

At Grewal Law, our Grand Rapids birth injury lawyers are committed to helping families recover the compensation they are owed after a child sustains an injury. We have helped numerous families get back on their feet after a birth injury, and we are ready to help you.

Call our office today at (616) 202-5391 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our team.

What Causes Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, but in many cases, they are the result of a medical professional’s negligence. These injuries can take place before, during, or after the birth, and they can have a long-term impact on the child’s life.

Some common causes of birth injuries include:

• Failure to diagnose a medical condition in the mother: If a medical professional does not diagnose a medical condition in the mother, it can lead to complications during the birth that cause the child to be injured.
• Failure to diagnose a medical condition in the child: Similarly, if a medical professional does not diagnose a medical condition in the child, it can lead to complications during the birth.
• Failure to take the mother’s medical history: A mother’s medical history is an important factor in the birthing process. If a medical professional does not take the mother’s medical history and does not know about a potential complication, it can lead to an injury.
• Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate: If a medical professional does not monitor the baby’s heart rate during the birth, it can lead to a serious injury. A baby’s heart rate can indicate whether or not they are in distress, and if they are, a medical professional will have to act quickly.
• Failure to order a C-section: In some cases, a C-section is necessary to prevent an injury from occurring during the birth. If a medical professional does not order a C-section and the child is injured, it can be considered negligence.
• Failure to order a C-section in time: In some cases, a C-section is necessary to prevent an injury from occurring during the birth. If a medical professional orders a C-section, but does not do so in enough time, it can be considered negligence.
• Improper use of delivery tools: In some cases, a medical professional may need to use delivery tools to assist in the birth. If these tools are not used properly, however, they can cause an injury.

Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can vary greatly in severity, and some are more common than others. Some birth injuries may even be temporary and heal on their own. Other birth injuries, however, can have a lifelong impact on the child and may require ongoing medical care.

Some common types of birth injuries include:

• Brachial plexus injuries: The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that controls the movement of the arm, hand, and fingers. If these nerves are damaged during the birth, it can lead to a brachial plexus injury. This injury can cause arm weakness, paralysis, and a loss of motion in the arm and hand.
• Brain injuries: The brain can be injured during the birth if the baby does not receive enough oxygen. This can lead to a variety of serious conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delays.
• Facial paralysis: If the baby’s face is injured during the birth, it can lead to facial paralysis. This condition can cause the baby to have difficulty moving his or her facial muscles.
• Caput succedaneum: This birth injury causes the baby to have swelling and bruising of the scalp. It is typically caused by pressure during the birth and can lead to other complications.
• Cephalohematoma: This condition causes bleeding underneath the baby’s cranial bone and can lead to other complications. It is typically caused by pressure during the birth.
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage: This condition causes bleeding in the baby’s eye and can lead to other complications. It is also typically caused by pressure during the birth.

What is the Difference Between a Birth Injury and a Birth Defect?

While birth injuries and birth defects are similar, they are not the same. It is important to determine which one your child has, as this will determine who can be held liable for the injury and what type of compensation you can recover.

Some of the key differences between birth injuries and birth defects include:

• When they occur: A birth injury occurs in the moments before, during, or after the birth. A birth defect, on the other hand, occurs while the child is still in the womb.
• What causes them: Birth injuries are typically caused by medical malpractice, while birth defects are typically caused by a variety of factors, including a mother’s exposure to certain toxic substances or medications during the pregnancy.
• Who is liable: If a child sustains a birth injury, the doctor or other medical professional who was responsible for delivering the baby may be held liable for the injury. If a child has a birth defect, however, the doctor who delivered the baby may not be held liable for the defect.
• What compensation you can recover: If a child has a birth defect, you can only recover compensation for the child’s medical expenses. If a child sustains a birth injury, however, you can recover compensation for the child’s medical expenses and other damages, including the child’s pain and suffering.

Not all birth injuries and birth defects are immediately obvious. Some symptoms may not appear until the child is a little older and is not reaching certain milestones. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to determine if your child has a birth injury or birth defect and what treatment options are available.

How Can a Birth Injury Attorney Help?

If your child has sustained a birth injury, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You may be facing significant medical expenses and may be unsure of what to do next. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and help you recover the compensation you are owed.

Some of the ways an attorney can help you with your birth injury claim include:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: To determine if you have a valid birth injury claim, an attorney will need to conduct a thorough investigation. This investigation may require reviewing the medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. An attorney will be able to handle all of these tasks on your behalf.
• Determining liability: In order to recover compensation in a birth injury claim, you will need to prove that another party was liable for your child’s injury. This can be difficult to do, as there may be multiple parties who are liable. An attorney will be able to help you determine who is liable for your child’s injury and what type of claim you should file.
• Filing a claim: If you decide to move forward with your birth injury claim, you will need to file a legal document known as a “complaint.” The complaint will outline the details of your claim and what type of compensation you are seeking. An attorney will be able to help you draft this document and ensure that it is filed correctly.
• Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, birth injury claims can be settled outside of the courtroom. This means that you and the at-fault party will negotiate a settlement. An attorney will be able to help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure that your rights are protected.
• Representing you in court: If you are unable to reach a settlement agreement, your case will go to court. An attorney will be able to represent you in court and present your case in the best possible light.

At Grewal Law, our Grand Rapids birth injury attorneys are committed to helping families recover the compensation they are owed. We have extensive experience handling birth injury claims, and we are not afraid to take a case to court if necessary.

Call our office today at (616) 202-5391 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.