Overview

Birth injuries due to medical malpractice can be some of the most emotionally trying and expensive conditions to treat. Injuries due to malpractice can be caused during the pregnancy, during labor and/or after birth. Given the sensitive and expensive nature of the injuries, it is important to have a dedicated attorney. A Fortune & Beard attorney will be the one worrying about deadlines for filling and gathering records, so that you can focus on caring for your newborn.

Some of the more common injuries caused by medical error are:

• failing to anticipate birth complications
• failure to respond appropriately to bleeding
• failure to respond to fetal distress
• delay in ordering a cesarean section when medically necessary
• misuse of forceps or a vacuum extractor during delivery
• poor quality of after-care

Birth injuries can be permanent and/or severe such as:

• permanent brain injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• nerve injury
• death
• later in life complications like learning difficulties, emotional difficulties and mental retardation.

Once you have become aware of the birth injuries, due to negligence or medical error, you have between six (6) months and two (2) years to file your claim in Alabama. In the case of negligence, and with regards to a minor child, you have up to four (4) years after the negligence occurred. However, if you have been negligent in discovering the negligence or the effect of the injury, you could be barred from filing a claim. Which is why it is important to know your statutory limitations and to contact an attorney as early as possible.

Fortune & Beard understands the sensitive nature of your claim. We also understand the need for financial relief as the cost of medical care continues to soar. Our attorney’s will work hard to either settle your claim or litigate your case. We will take the worry and stress of the legal work off of your shoulders allowing you to focus on the more important things. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation regarding your potential birth injury claim.