Support For Children Impacted By Birth Injuries And Their Parents

The birth of a child is a monumental occasion in any family. Mothers and fathers entrust their babies’ well-being to medical professionals who provide prenatal care, assistance in delivery and postnatal care. When something goes wrong that leads to your child having long-lasting or permanent physical or mental disabilities, you may have a medical malpractice claim.

Galligan Law in Des Moines evaluates medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries. If your baby or child facing the challenges of cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia or any affliction resulting from a birth injury, we can help you pursue a path to financial recovery. If we believe your case has merit, we will recommend a plan to seek the compensation that your child and your family will need to cover expenses and acknowledge your losses.

Our Concerns: Your Child’s Well-being And Protection For Future Newborns

The vast majority of obstetricians-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and neonatal pediatricians follow accepted standards of care while providing their services to facilitate healthy births and care for newborns.

Sometimes, however, something goes wrong and a baby suffers the consequences of negligence through:

• Failure to screen for risk factors during pregnancy
• Failure to monitor the vital functions of a baby throughout prenatal care and during labor or delivery
• Failure of nursing staff to notify doctors of signs pointing to the need for a cesarean section (C-section)
• A delayed C-section or failure to perform a needed C-section
• Failure by the delivery room doctor to implement proper remedial maneuvers in the event of a breech birth, the obstruction of a baby’s shoulder in the birth canal or the loss of oxygen due to umbilical cord prolapse

If you are reacting to a diagnosis after your son’s or daughter’s problematic birth experience, our medical malpractice lawyers are interested in helping you recover needed financial support. A successful birth injury claim or lawsuit may hold negligent medical providers and their malpractice insurers accountable while also bringing about changes in protocols.

Getting relief for our clients and contributing to a safer Iowa for families are passions that we pursue with skill and determination. Our law firm has earned a strong reputation among judges and other legal professionals. Our legacy of knowledge and hard work can be an asset in your birth injury case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Injuries

If you, the mother of your child or your child suffered birth-related injuries, you may have many questions about your case and your next steps. Our birth injury lawyers are here for you. In the meantime, please read some answers to frequently asked questions below.

What Are The Most Common Birth Injuries?

Many birth injuries happen due to the doctor or health care provider’s negligence or reckless treatment. However, some birth injuries can occur just from the natural process of being born.

Some of the most common birth injuries include:

• Nerve injuries that impact the arms and hands
• Facial nerve injuries
• Breakage in the baby’s small blood vessels
• Bleeding underneath the cranial bones
• Bruised head and swelling
• Clavicle or collarbone fracture

Depending on the nature, cause and severity of the injury, you may have a birth injury medical malpractice claim.

Can You Sue For Errors In Prenatal Care?

Just like with other areas of medicine, the United States has national standards for OB/GYN care that follow the general tort principles of medical negligence. If your doctor or health care provider fails to adhere to their duty and negligently causes an injury, you can take legal action.

In some cases, a C-section may become necessary. If your doctor fails to observe signs of fetal distress and it leads to the injury of the child or mother, you can sue for failure to perform a timely C-section. On the other hand, you can also sue for an unnecessary C-section in cases where you did not give informed consent or the procedure was not medically necessary and caused more harm.

Can A Birth Injury Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is just one of many injuries that can occur from negligent care during the birth of a child. However, it is important to note that not all birth complications are the result of negligence.

Cerebral palsy can occur when the doctor leaves the baby in the birth canal for too long or fails to detect a prolapsed cord. Improper use of forceps can also cause injury.

Learn How We Can Help

We are interested in helping your child cope after a birth injury. We are prepared to investigate and prepare legal arguments to help your son or daughter get therapy and other accommodations after experiencing a birth injury in an Iowa maternity ward in a hospital or birthing center. We also represent families in case of maternal death or serious injury to the mother caused by medical negligence in connection with the birthing process.

To schedule a free consultation, call Local: 515-316-6179 or complete our simple online form.