Birth Defects and Injuries:

Birth defects and injuries are a source of pain, suffering and sadness for families and can lead to tremendous emotional costs. Sadder still is the possibility of long-term and catastrophic medical costs that are often required for the care of birth defect and birth injury victims. A successful medical malpractice claim can often help a family to overcome these costs and provide the victimized child with the proper and necessary medical care and attention. If you believe that medical malpractice has caused your loved one to suffer from a birth defect or injury, please call d’Oliveira & Associates.

Birth defects occur prior to the birth of the baby. Birth defects are caused during or before the mother’s pregnancy. Roughly 7% of all babies have some form of birth defect. Birth injuries occur during the labor or delivery of the baby. Birth injuries are more rare and occur in about 5 out of 1,000 births. Not all birth defects or birth injuries are caused by medical mistakes. However, possible causes of some birth defects or injuries include:

• Failure to respond to bleeding
• Failing to respond to umbilical cord entrapment
• Failure to respond to fetal distress
• Failure to recognize/diagnose a pregnancy disorder
• Delay in ordering C-section
• Misuse of medical devices (ex: vacuum extractor or forceps)
• Improper use of pitocin, or other drugs administered during childbirth
• Poor newborn care after birth
• Cerebral Palsy (disorder of loss of movement and nerve functions)
• Erb’s Palsy/Brachial Plexus Palsy/ Shoulder Dystocia (injury to the group of nerves which control the arms and legs)
• Wrongful death

It may be difficult to initially recognize that your child is suffering from a birth defect or injury. Possible symptoms that may help you recognize if your child has a birth defect or injury are: floppy, depressed, pale or blue after birth; seizures and neurological problems, permanent damages (ex: cerebral palsy), mental retardation or learning disabilities. Most importantly, if you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of birth defects or birth injuries, you need a law firm that can handle these cases.

If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.