When a child suffers a significant injury, the impact ripples through their entire life and affects the entire family. As Child & Birth Injury Lawyers, we deeply understand the unique vulnerabilities of children and the profound, long-term consequences that certain types of harm can inflict. Every child’s injury is a personal tragedy, and each case demands not just legal expertise, but also a profound understanding of pediatric medicine, development, and the intricate legal strategies required to secure justice.
At our firm, we focus exclusively on child and birth injury cases because we know these are not like typical personal injury claims. They require a broad approach, extensive legal knowledge, and a commitment to understanding the complex medical and scientific details involved. We are dedicated to advocating for children and their families, ensuring they receive the proper compensation needed for lifelong care and recovery.
Here are some of the specific types of child injury cases we handle, where our focused expertise makes a critical difference:
Birth Injuries: Protecting the Most Vulnerable
A birth injury is one of the most heartbreaking and complex cases a family can endure. These often happen when medical professionals make mistakes or act negligently during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, leading to preventable harm to a newborn. The consequences can be devastating, impacting a child’s development for their entire life. We represent families in cases involving:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP):This is often caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, or by physical trauma during delivery. CP affects muscle movement and coordination, leading to lifelong challenges. We meticulously investigate delivery room procedures, medical records, and expert testimonies to determine if medical negligence contributed to this condition.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy/Klumpke’s Palsy): These nerve injuries in the shoulder, arm, or hand can occur if too much force is used, or the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery (shoulder dystocia). While some recover, many children face permanent weakness or paralysis. We examine the use of instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors, and the handling of difficult deliveries.
- Brain Injuries (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy – HIE): When a baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or blood flow around birth, it can lead to HIE. This can cause severe developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. These cases often involve intricate reviews of fetal monitoring strips and delivery room actions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Though less common, these severe injuries can result from improper handling during delivery, leading to paralysis or other neurological deficits.
- Fractures and Lacerations: While some fractures are unavoidable, many are caused by excessive force or improper use of delivery tools, leading to lasting issues if not properly treated.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When a Child’s Future is Changed
A traumatic brain injury in a child can be particularly devastating because their brain is still developing. Even a “mild” TBI can have long-lasting effects on learning, behavior, and emotions. We handle TBI cases that result from:
- Car Accidents: Children, especially those improperly restrained or in severe collisions, can suffer concussions or more serious brain trauma.
- Falls: Falls from playground equipment, cribs, or changing tables can result in head injuries.
- Sports Injuries: Concussions, especially repeated ones, can have cumulative effects on a child’s developing brain.
- Abuse (Shaken Baby Syndrome): Tragically, some TBIs are caused by violent shaking, leading to severe and permanent brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Life-Altering Harm
Spinal cord injuries in children are catastrophic, often leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and a lifetime of medical needs. These can result from:
- Vehicle Accidents: High-impact collisions are a leading cause.
- Falls: Severe falls from heights or sports activities.
- Playground Accidents: Malfunctioning equipment or unsafe play surfaces.
Severe Burn Injuries: Extensive Recovery and Scarring
Children’s skin is more delicate, making them highly susceptible to severe burns from scalding liquids, fires, or chemicals. These injuries often require:
- Multiple Surgeries: Including skin grafts, which may need to be repeated as the child grows.
- Lifelong Scarring: Leading to physical limitations and significant emotional distress.
- Intensive Therapy: To regain mobility and manage pain.
Wrongful Death: Seeking Justice After the Unimaginable
Tragically, some injuries are fatal. When a child’s death is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, we represent families in wrongful death claims. While no amount of compensation can replace a child, these cases seek to hold responsible parties accountable and provide families with the financial resources to cope with their profound loss.
Our Commitment: Fighting for Your Child’s Future
We understand that dealing with these types of injuries is an overwhelming ordeal. The journey involves not just immediate medical care, but often extensive therapies, specialized equipment, home modifications, and psychological support for decades. As Child & Birth Injury Lawyers, our focus is unwavering. We use our extensive legal and medical knowledge to meticulously build your case, consult with leading experts, and tirelessly advocate for the maximum compensation possible. We want to ensure your child has the resources they need for a lifetime of care and dignity.
