Birth Injury Lawyer, Oregon

Realizing that your child may have sustained a birth injury can be terribly difficult. Parents should be experiencing full joy over the birth of their newborn. But when peculiar symptoms arise, parents may enter a state of panic as to what has happened and what is to come. At Andersen & Linthorst, we understand that right now you may be wondering if a doctor or other medical professional made a serious mistake during the pregnancy, delivery, or after birth care. If your newborn has birth injury symptoms, then now is the time to speak with our Oregon birth injury lawyer about your situation. A medical professional and/or the facility may be liable for what you and your newborn has endured. Please contact our office as soon as possible so we can advise further on what to do next. If you decide to pursue legal action against an offending doctor or facility, we can guide the way.

Signs Of A Birth Injury

Symptoms of a birth injury may be apparent shortly after delivery, or within the months or years afterwards as growth milestones are not reached. Many injuries or impairments could have been the result of medical negligence or malpractice. If you have observed noticeable signs of a birth injury, then now is the time to get medical care from a different doctor than who treated you during pregnancy or delivery. You may even want to get a second opinion from a doctor at another medical facility entirely. If the medical facility hears that you may be taking legal action against them or one of their doctors, they may alter or destroy key evidence for your case. As our knowledgeable birth injury attorney explains, if you have seen any of the following birth injury symptoms in your newborn, please contact us immediately:

• A “floppy” appearance (lack of muscle tone)
• Bruises, abrasions, or swelling on the baby’s face, head, or shoulders
• The baby required CPR or a breathing tube after delivery
• The infant did not begin breathing following delivery
• Seizures are occurring within 48 hours post delivery
• One arm is limp in appearance

Keep in mind that these symptoms are not a complete list of symptoms that can be associated with birth injuries. Ultimately, if you notice something is not right with your newborn’s health shortly after delivery, then it may be a good idea to get another doctor’s opinion and then let us consult with you about a potential case. The doctor and/or medical facility may be liable for what has happened.

Andersen & Linthorst

Being a new parent and realizing that your newborn may not be healthy can be an agonizing situation. To know that a doctor or other medical professional could have made a mistake can add even more anguish to an already stressful circumstance. Some birth injury conditions are preventable, if only the medical staff had provided a certain standard of care during pregnancy, delivery, or following birth. If you suspect something went awry with your baby’s care, we urge you to contact our Oregon birth injury attorney for a consultation. Our team at Andersen & Linthorst is ready to speak with you.

Legal Options For Birth Injuries

When a child is born with a birth injury, it can be a devastating experience for families, raising concerns about the child’s health, future, and well-being. Birth injuries may result from various factors, including medical negligence, complications during labor, or improper monitoring of the mother and baby. In such cases, parents may explore legal options with an Oregon birth injury lawyer to seek justice and compensation for their child’s injuries. Understanding the legal avenues available is crucial for families facing this challenging situation. For more detailed information about your situation, call Andersen & Linthorst.

Understanding Birth Injuries

Birth injuries refer to physical harm that occurs to an infant during labor and delivery. These injuries can range from minor bruising to severe conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or fractures. In many instances, birth injuries arise from medical negligence, such as improper use of forceps, failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate or inadequate prenatal care. Identifying the cause of the injury is essential for determining the appropriate legal action.

Seeking Legal Recourse

Consulting With A Birth Injury Lawyer

Parents considering legal action should first consult with an Oregon birth injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specifics of the case, determine if negligence occurred, and guide families through the legal process. They will assess medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case to support the claim.

Gathering Evidence

To establish a case for a birth injury, your attorney will gather evidence demonstrating that the medical provider failed to meet the standard of care. This includes obtaining medical records, birth records, and any documentation related to prenatal care and labor. Expert testimony from medical professionals may also be necessary to validate claims of negligence.

Filing A Claim

If sufficient evidence is gathered, the attorney will help parents file a claim against the responsible parties. This could include the obstetrician, hospital, nurses, or other medical personnel involved in childbirth. The claim will outline the nature of the injuries, the alleged negligence and the damages sought.

Types Of Damages

In a birth injury lawsuit, families may seek various types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for current and future medical treatment, therapies, and necessary interventions related to the injury.
• Lost wages: If a parent needs to take time off work to care for the child, they may claim lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and suffering endured by the child and family due to the injury.
• Rehabilitation costs: If ongoing rehabilitation is necessary, families can seek compensation for those expenses.

Negotiation And Settlement

Many birth injury cases are settled before reaching trial. Attorneys often negotiate with insurance companies or opposing legal teams to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be achieved, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Statute Of Limitations

It’s essential for families to be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. This timeframe varies by state, but it typically ranges from one to three years from the date of injury or when the injury was discovered. Families should act promptly to ensure they do not miss this crucial deadline.

Call Our Birth Injury Law Firm For Legal Assistance

Navigating the legal landscape following a birth injury can be complex and emotionally challenging. However, understanding the available legal options can empower families to seek justice and the necessary support for their child’s needs. By consulting with a knowledgeable Oregon birth injury lawyer, parents can advocate for their child’s rights and secure compensation to help mitigate the financial and emotional burdens of caring for a child with a birth injury. With the proper legal guidance, families can take significant steps toward securing a brighter future for their children. Call Andersen & Linthorst to find out what legal recourse you have for your child’s injuries.

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Client Review

"It was an absolute pleasure working with this team. They eased my anxiety every step of the way. They were all very professional, kind, understanding and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help. Thank you all so much!"
Nichelle Laabs