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Cherry Hill Birth Injury Attorneys
Experienced Cherry Hill birth injury lawyers for labor & delivery negligence in South Jersey
The arrival of a new life should be a joyous occasion, but when medical negligence or malpractice results in harm to a newborn or mother, it can lead to physical, emotional, and financial challenges for families. At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill birth injury lawyers understand the unique complexities and emotional toll associated with birth injuries, and commit ourselves to providing legal representation to parents and families facing these difficult circumstances.
Our Cherry Hill birth injury attorneys recognize the devastating impact that birth injuries can have on a child's life and a family's well-being. Our experienced birth injury lawyers are dedicated to representing the best interests of injured newborns and their parents, advocating for justice, compensation, and the support needed to address the long-term consequences of these injuries.
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What is a birth injury?
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby describes birth injuries as follows: “Birth injuries are physical injuries experienced during childbirth. They can affect either the mother or the baby. In newborn babies, a birth injury (often called 'neonatal birth trauma') can include things from bruising to a broken bone.” Birth injuries occur in about 31.1 per 1,000 hospital births. Forbes also notes, “While some birth injuries are unavoidable tragedies, many happen due to medical malpractice or errors.”
What are examples of common birth injuries?
Common examples of birth injuries include:
- Cerebral palsy. The most common motor disability in childhood, cerebral palsy (CP) is technically a group of disorders that can range in severity. There is no cure for the condition.
- Brachial plexus injury. This is an injury to the nerves that control the arm and hand. It is caused by stretching or tearing of the nerves during labor and delivery, and can be the result of negligence with forceps. Brachial plexus injuries can range from mild to severe, and some may require surgery or physical therapy.
- Clavicle fracture. This is a break in the collarbone. It is the most common type of fracture in newborns, and it usually occurs during labor and delivery. Clavicle fractures may heal on their own, but may also require medical intervention.
- Facial nerve paralysis. This is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles that is caused by pressure on the facial nerve during labor and delivery. It can be caused by trauma during delivery.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This is a brain injury that is caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain during labor and delivery. HIE can range from mild to severe, and it can lead to a variety of long-term problems, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities.
It is important to note that not all birth injuries are preventable. However, there are a number of things that healthcare providers can do to reduce the risk of birth injuries, such as careful monitoring of the mother and baby during labor and delivery. If you believe your child’s birth injury was due to medical negligence, get in touch with our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible.
What are the complications of Cherry Hill birth injuries?
Birth injuries can lead to a wide range of complications, and the specific complications depend on the type and severity of the injury. Birth injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for both the child and the family.
One of the most devastating complications of birth injuries is physical disabilities. Birth injuries may result in conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or fractures. These physical disabilities can affect a child's mobility, muscle control, and overall physical development. Children with these injuries may require extensive physical therapy, assistive devices, and sometimes surgeries to improve their functionality.
Cognitive and developmental delays are also common complications. Some birth injuries can lead to intellectual disabilities or developmental delays, affecting a child's ability to learn, communicate, and reach developmental milestones. These delays may require specialized education, therapies, and ongoing support to help the child progress to their fullest potential.
Seizures can be a significant complication of certain birth injuries, particularly those resulting from oxygen deprivation during childbirth. Conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can lead to seizures, and managing these seizures may require ongoing medical treatment and medication.
Speech and language disorders are another complication that some children with birth injuries face. These disorders can affect a child's ability to communicate effectively, which may necessitate speech therapy and specialized educational programs to improve their language skills.
Behavioral and emotional issues can arise due to the emotional trauma associated with birth injuries. Both the child and their parents may experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and stress as they navigate the challenges of caring for an injured child. This emotional impact can affect family dynamics and the overall well-being of everyone involved.
Chronic pain and discomfort can be a significant complication for children with birth injuries. These ongoing physical symptoms may require long-term pain management, medication, and medical care to alleviate the child's suffering.
Financial strain is another reality for many families dealing with birth injuries. The cost of medical care, therapies, assistive devices, and special education services can impose significant financial burdens. Families may struggle to cover these expenses while providing the best possible care for their child.
How long do I have to bring a birth injury claim in South Jersey?
New Jersey Statute 2A:14-2 states that any action at law for an injury caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of any person within the state must be commenced within two years. The two-year limitations period for medical malpractice begins when a patient suspects that their injuries may be attributable to improper treatment or negligence. Birth injury cases must be filed before the injured child's 13th birthday.
What is the value of my Cherry Hill birth injury claim?
The value of your birth injury claim will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your child's injury
- The long-term effects of your child's injury
- The cost of your child's medical expenses and lost wages
- The pain and suffering of your child and family
- The liability of the party responsible for your child's injury
The more severe your child's injury is, the higher the value of your claim will likely be. This is because more severe injuries typically require more medical care and rehabilitation, and can result in more long-term disability.
The long-term effects of your child's injury will also play a role in determining the value of your claim. If your child has permanent disabilities or cognitive impairment as a result of the injury, your claim will likely be worth more than if your child makes a full recovery.
The cost of your child's medical expenses and lost wages will also be considered when determining the value of your claim. If you have incurred significant medical expenses or lost time off work as a result of your child's injury, your claim will likely be worth more.
Pain and suffering is a non-economic loss, but it is still a valid part of a birth injury lawsuit. The amount of pain and suffering your child and family have experienced will be considered when determining the value of your claim.
It is important to note that there is no set formula for determining the value of a birth injury claim. Each case is unique and will be valued on its own merits. If you are considering filing a birth injury lawsuit, it is important to speak with an experienced Cherry Hill birth injury attorney like those at Ferrara & Gable to discuss the value of your case. Our attorneys can assess your case and give you a realistic estimate of the value of your claim.
Do you have a Cherry Hill birth injury attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. There is parking available, and a bus stop right up the block on Rt. 38. If you are too injured or ill to travel, we can schedule a phone or video consultation.
Cherry Hill birth injury attorneys helping South Jersey families
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence or malpractice, you don't have to face this journey alone. The compassionate and experienced Cherry Hill birth injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable are here to provide the guidance, support, and legal advocacy you need to seek justice and secure the compensation your child deserves. Call our Cherry Hill offices or contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case, understand your legal rights, and take the first step toward ensuring the best possible future for your child. Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to being your advocates on this path to justice and recovery. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
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