Choose an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer

Birth injuries can have an incredibly far-reaching impact on babies and their parents. Our passionate, dedicated attorneys will hold appropriate parties responsible to the fullest extent possible so your family can concentrate on healing. To speak with a birth injury lawyer serving Daytona, FL, we encourage you to contact our law office today. Our team of attorneys has the expertise and experience needed to help.

Types of Birth Injuries

Most birth injuries are preventable. If a birth injury does occur, it is often an indicator of medical malpractice. Such negligence is grounds for a civil suit, of course, and your family may be able to recover damages for your loss. However, to ensure your family is adequately compensated, we will need to know the extent of your child's injuries. Though birth injuries vary in severity, two of the most common birth injuries – cerebral palsy and shoulder dystocia – can have life-altering effects on the victim.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects motor skills. Symptoms include weak or stiff muscles, lack of control of the extremities, seizures and trembling, poor coordination, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. It is caused by damage to the portions of the brain which control muscle movement and coordination, and in infants, usually arises as a result of asphyxiation or lack of blood flow to the brain during birth. Other causes exist as well, however, which means demonstrating that medical malpractice took place can be difficult without experienced legal counsel and representation on your side.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the infant's shoulders fail to deliver immediately after the head passes through the birth canal. This can cause a great deal of strain both on the brachial plexus nerves in the neck and shoulders, and the umbilical cord. Symptoms and resulting complications may include paralysis, hypoxia, Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, and even death. As there are known risk factors for shoulder dystocia and numerous procedures to alleviate or eliminate the risk of this occurring, the presence of shoulder dystocia is often a clear indicator of medical malpractice.

Erb's Palsy

Whereas cerebral palsy results in a lack of muscle control and coordination throughout the body, the results of Erb's palsy are localized. Caused by damage or a severing of the nerves in the upper arm, Erb's palsy can result in partial or complete paralysis of the affected limb. One of the common contributing factors to Erb's palsy is shoulder dystocia, which places undue stress on the nerves throughout the neck, shoulders, and arms. If your child has suffered Erb's palsy, the effects will be life-changing.

Damages in Birth Injury Cases

If it can be shown that your child's injuries were caused by medical malpractice, our team can help ensure your family receives just and fair compensation. At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, we believe strongly in helping families who have experienced this trauma, and will work diligently to hold the liable parties responsible. Your family may be able to recover damages for the following:

Pain and Suffering

Giving birth should be a time of joy. Unfortunately, if your child suffers a birth injury due to another party's negligence, it can cause a great deal of psychological pain and suffering. It is impossible to quantify such suffering, but we will work to secure a just and fair resolution to aid in your emotional recovery.

Medical Bills

Any and all medical expenses relating to your child's injury, including those required for ongoing care or long-term treatment, may be covered if medical malpractice can be demonstrated. We will commit ourselves to maximizing your recovery so that your child's care never poses a financial burden on your family.

Rehabilitation

In many cases, children who suffer birth injuries require physical therapy and emotional counseling. In some cases, speech therapy may even be required. We will ensure these costs are taken into consideration when damages are awarded. Your family should not be forced to shoulder the burden.

Loss of Consortium

In the event that your child was killed due to his or her birth injury, we can help you file a wrongful death claim for loss of consortium and companionship. 

Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer at Chanfrau & Chanfrau

We want you to know that help is available when you do not know who to turn to or what steps to take next. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.