Birth Injury Compensation
Children with birth injuries deserve every resource they require to live a valuable life. Settlements will provide them with the financial compensation they need to get these resources.
A petition can be filed by a personal representative, the guardians, parents or the next of-kin of an injured child. Upon the filing of such petition, a rebuttable assumption will be established that the alleged injury is a birth-related neurological injury as defined by SS 38.2-5001.
Medical expenses
It can be extremely distressing to learn that a child has suffered an injury to their birth because of medical negligence. Apart from the emotional pain that can result as a result of the injury, financial burdens can be significant. Parents are accountable for immediate medical care and may have to invest all their lives in therapy and other treatments.
Your lawyer will examine the evidence to show that the health professional made an error that directly led to the injuries suffered by your child. Then, he or she will estimate your child’s future expenses and add them to the claim for compensation. These costs are called economic damages.
You may be able to claim non-economic damages, in addition to paying for medical bills of your child as well as any other costs associated with it. This will pay you and your family members for the pain and suffering your child has suffered. These damages are not quantifiable and could include mental anguish, birth injury disfigurement and other intangibles.
Many states have passed medical indemnity plans to cover the future medical and rehabilitation costs for people with severe birth injuries. These funds take a share of malpractice insurance premiums, or require doctors and hospitals to contribute to the fund. For example the New York’s Medical Indemnity Fund provides lifetime payments for children and adults with a neurological birth injury.
Pain and suffering
It is extremely expensive to provide your child with medical attention throughout their life following an injury to their birth. Even minor injuries can quickly add up. You are entitled to compensation for the suffering and pain that could result from these injuries.
You should always consult an attorney before talking to anyone from the hospital or insurance company, no matter how serious your injuries are. You might be able make your words against them, and they may try to reduce your compensation. It is essential to speak with an experienced attorney who has experience in dealing with birth injuries before taking any other action.
After consulting with an attorney, they’ll create a strong case for your child and their injuries. This may include obtaining expert witness testimony to support your claim. They will also get certified statements from the lawyers of the defendants and any other parties involved.
Once your lawyer has sufficient evidence, they’ll mail an order package (a document that contains all the facts) to the hospital and doctor responsible. This document will provide details of your child’s injuries, and how they occurred due to medical malpractice. It will also include documents and other records to support your claims. If your doctor rejects your offer, then your lawyer will file a suit.
Future care costs
Severe birth injuries can cause expensive long-term treatment that affects families financially. A child with cerebral palsy requires lifelong treatment, which may include surgeries as well as home health care assistants, medication and therapy sessions along with doctor’s visits and prescriptions. These expenses can quickly add up and significantly impact the family’s lives.
In certain cases, a birth injury lawyer may hire an expert to draft what’s known as a «life care plan.» The document will estimate future needs based on the victim’s medical history and age. It includes estimates of annual costs for things like medications, doctor visits and therapy, attendant care, lost income in the future transportation, as well as home renovations.
These damages can comprise an enormous portion of settlement in a birth injury lawsuit or jury verdict. They are designed to improve the future quality of life of the victim. However, certain states restrict the amount of non-economic damages and this restriction could apply to birth injury claims.
Many hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies are reluctant to admit that they were negligent or offer to compensate for a birth injury. The majority of lawyers prefer to settle instead of going to trial. A lawyer will write a list of demands and forward them to the medical professionals involved with the case, along with a detailed description of the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by your child. If the hospital or doctor refuses to accept the terms, your lawyer will make a claim.
Economic damages
Birth injuries can be expensive to treat, and those who suffer from it can need costly medical treatment for the rest of their lives or even their entire lives. In these instances, economic damages can include past and upcoming medical expenses and the expenses associated with the care of the victim like mobility aids. These are usually determined with the assistance of a particular witness.
Parents are also entitled to compensation for the emotional trauma caused by the trauma and knowing that their child’s medical negligence could have been prevented. Certain states have laws acknowledging this emotional trauma and providing victims with non-economic compensation for birth injury it.
It’s crucial for families to understand that, while many birth injuries lead to serious and debilitating conditions Children can live life-changing lives with the right help. It is vital that they have the financial resources they require to ensure a successful and happy life.
A family may make a claim against the hospital or doctor who caused the injury to their child with the help of an experienced lawyer. They will analyze the case in depth and collect additional evidence to support their argument that the medical professional failed to uphold a standard of medical care. Then, they’ll engage in negotiations with the defendants in order to find a settlement. If not, they’ll be prepared to begin an action.