Birth Injury Lawsuits
Birth injuries caused by medical errors can leave children with permanent injuries that require care for the rest of their lives. The financial compensation provided by a birth injury lawsuit can help parents pay for these costs.
If you want to pursue this type of claim, you must carefully examine a range of factors. A lawyer can review your case and determine if you have an appropriate claim.
Damages
When a medical error leads to injury, the victim could seek compensation. A successful birth injury lawsuit may pay for future medical treatment, loss of income and more. The amount of damages awarded is contingent on the nature and severity of the injury.
A successful legal case is based on proving four essential elements: (1) that the medical professional did not act in accordance with the accepted procedures of the medical community for doctors with similar qualifications and experience; (2) that this error caused injuries to the patient; (3) that the injuries were severe and (4) that there was evidence of damages. Your lawyer will review your medical records and talk to experts to determine if the case is in compliance with the requirements.
In addition to medical expenses, victims may be able to claim non-economic damages, like discomfort and pain. It is difficult to determine the cost of these damages, however an experienced attorney can compare similar cases to determine the appropriate amount.
The defendants in a birth injury lawsuit are typically hospitals, the doctor who is responsible for the injury, and any nurses involved in the delivery. In certain states, midwives can also be defendants. In New York, however, midwives are expected to help with normal pregnancies, and to transfer high-risk ones to a qualified obstetrician. In these types of cases, a midwife’s actions could be considered to be a form of malpractice if they are deemed negligent or careless.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a legal term that refers to the period within which you are able to bring a lawsuit. This restriction helps ensure that lawsuits are filed in a timely manner while witnesses’ accounts and evidence are still fresh.
The time limit for birth injury claims differs from one state to another. This is because every state has its own laws and standards pertaining to medical malpractice claims. The general rule is to submit a claim for medical malpractice within two to three years from the negligent act.
Generally speaking, to establish negligence, you must demonstrate that the medical professional owed you a duty. Then, you have to prove that the healthcare provider was in breach of this duty by failing to meet the proper standard. This standard is established by the medical community.
Your attorney will collaborate with experts to determine the standard of care in your case and if the medical professional met this obligation. Experts will review medical documents and depositions of the doctors involved in your case. They will also provide their opinion.
Your attorney will work with financial experts in order to calculate your damages. The amount of damages is usually determined by the future needs of your child. These damages can include economic and non-economic damage.
Expert Witnesses
If a medical mistake causes an injury to a child, the victims can seek compensation for their injuries through a lawsuit. The amount of the payout will depend on the extent of the injury and the resulting costs. This could include medical expenses for the remainder of your life as well as loss of income due to inability to work, as well as pain and discomfort.
To win in their lawsuit, they must demonstrate that the medical team and the doctor who was defending violated the proper standard of care. This usually requires expert witnesses who have the required training and experience to give professional opinions. The defendants may also bring in their own expert witnesses to challenge the allegations of plaintiffs.
A medical expert witness is a specialist with skills and knowledge in their field. They can give an opinion about a situation in legal hearings and explain the situation to other witnesses in simple, clear terms. In instances of medical malpractice in court, expert witnesses are usually hired to provide evidence.
In cases involving birth injuries, medical experts may be required to testify on the requirements to be adhered to during pregnancy, delivery and after-birth care. Experts can also explain the manner in which the defendant’s actions and inaction caused the injuries to the victim. They can explain a different path that could have avoided injuries and help the juror determine liability.
Filing a Lawsuit
In the majority of cases, medical malpractice lawsuits which include birth injury lawsuits, can be resolved through settlements. Doctors and hospitals often worry about negative publicity and public relations if they are found to be negligent. It’s important to speak with an experienced attorney prior to taking any settlements for birth injuries your child sustained. A majority of lawyers offer a free consultation to determine if you child has a valid claim. If they decide to pursue your case, they will collect the necessary medical records, and then hire medical experts to review them. These experts can help establish what was expected to have happened under a certain standard of treatment, and identify any omitted diagnoses.
Your lawyer will then determine potential defendants for your birth injury lawsuit. This could include doctors nurses, hospital, and doctor where the birth injury occurred. They will then gather additional evidence to support your claim. This can include physical and psychological evidence and expert testimony.
Your lawyer may attempt to reach a settlement with the defendant prior to filing a formal suit. This is typically done by sending a demand letter to the defendant that includes the extent of your child’s injuries as well as the costs associated with them. While the demand letter can’t promise a payout but it can provide your lawyer a good idea of what the defendant may be willing to settle for.