Atlanta Birth Injury Lawyers

Supporting Birth Injury Victims in Fulton County 

When you expect to welcome a healthy baby into the world and something goes wrong during labor or delivery, the emotional, physical, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. In Georgia, families affected by birth injuries have legal options, and understanding your rights is essential to securing the justice and compensation your child deserves.

At DGL Attorneys At Law, we have a winning track record of record-setting results, having recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured victims and their families across the Metro Atlanta area. If your child suffered preventable injuries during birth, we want to hear from you. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, so don't wait to call.  

Has your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence? Call DGL Attorneys At Law today at (770) 404-8239 or contact us online to discuss your case with our experienced Atlanta birth injury attorneys!

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries refer to any harm or injury sustained by a baby during labor and delivery. While some complications are unavoidable, many birth injuries are preventable and occur due to medical negligence or improper care by doctors, nurses, or hospital staff.

Common birth injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain during birth, this lifelong condition can affect motor skills, speech, and development.
• Erb's palsy: This is a form of brachial plexus injury that occurs when a baby’s neck or shoulder is stretched improperly, damaging the nerves controlling the arm and hand.
• Brain injuries: Mismanagement of fetal distress, failure to monitor the baby’s vital signs, or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to brain damage.
• Fractures or broken bones: These can occur if excessive force is used during delivery, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia.
• Hypoxia or asphyxia: When a baby is deprived of oxygen, even for a short period, it can result in long-term developmental issues or even death.

How Medical Negligence Can Cause Birth Injuries

In Georgia, medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers fail to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent professional would in a similar situation.

When it comes to birth injuries, negligence may involve:

• Failure to properly monitor the baby’s health during pregnancy or labor
• Delayed decision to perform a C-section when needed
• Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to recognize or respond to fetal distress
• Administering the wrong medications to the mother or baby

If a healthcare provider’s actions or omissions directly result in injury to your baby, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.

Long-Term Effects of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries, with their profound and lasting impacts, are not to be underestimated. They can significantly alter a child's development and quality of life, with effects that often extend beyond the initial trauma. These effects may include:

• Physical Challenges: Limited mobility, muscle weakness, or paralysis caused by cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy.
• Cognitive Impairments: Learning disabilities, memory issues, or developmental delays stemming from brain injuries or oxygen deprivation.
• Communication Difficulties: Speech and language delays can hinder a child’s ability to express themselves or engage with others.
• Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Anxiety, depression, or frustration stemming from social isolation or struggles with daily tasks.
• Dependence on Lifelong Care: Many children with severe birth injuries require assistive devices, adaptive therapies, or caregiving support throughout their lives.

For families, the long-term effects include emotional stress, financial strain, and the need to plan for their child's future, including housing, education, and specialized medical care. Pursuing compensation can help ease these burdens and provide critical resources for long-term support.

Compensation Available for Birth Injury Victims

If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages. This can include:

• Medical expenses: Past and future medical care, surgeries, therapies, and medications related to your child’s injury.
• Pain and suffering: Both your child’s physical pain and your family’s emotional distress are considered.
• Lost wages: If the birth injury prevents your child from being able to work in the future, you can seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
• Cost of long-term care: Many birth injuries, like cerebral palsy, require lifelong care. You can recover damages to cover the costs of specialized treatment, therapy, and caregiving services.

How We Can Help

Navigating a birth injury case is complex, as it involves understanding medical records, expert testimony, and Georgia’s malpractice laws. Our Atlanta birth injury attorney at DGL Attorneys At Law can:

• Investigate the incident thoroughly to identify whether medical negligence occurred
• Obtain expert witnesses to testify about the standard of care
• Negotiate with insurance companies or represent your case in court to fight for fair compensation
• Ensure you meet all filing deadlines so your claim is not barred by the statute of limitations

Birth injuries are not just medical challenges; they are life-altering events that require legal action to ensure your family gets the support it needs. If you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Our team can guide you through the process, advocating for your rights and fighting for the compensation that will allow your child to lead the best life possible.

Birth Injury Claim FAQs

What’s the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect?

A birth injury typically occurs during labor or delivery due to some avoidable error—like delayed intervention or misuse of instruments—while a birth defect arises during pregnancy, usually due to developmental or genetic causes, and is rarely actionable through legal claims.

How can I tell if a birth injury was caused by medical negligence?

Medical negligence must be proven. Typically, attorneys rely on expert medical testimony to show that the care provided fell below the standard expected of similarly trained professionals, and that this deviation caused the injury.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a birth injury claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the general deadline is 2 years from the date of the injury.

Do I need a lawyer for a birth injury claim?

Yes. Birth injury claims are highly complex and require both legal and medical expertise. An experienced attorney can navigate strict timelines, consult with medical experts, negotiate fair settlements, and represent you in court if needed.

Contact Our Atlanta Birth Injury Attorneys Today

Birth injuries can alter the course of a child’s life and place significant emotional and financial strain on families. Understanding your rights and pursuing legal action can help hold negligent parties accountable while securing your family's support. At DGL Attorneys At Law, our experienced Atlanta birth injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring your child has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.  

Take the first step toward justice for your child. Reach out to our skilled Atlanta birth injury lawyers to explore your legal options and hold negligent parties accountable!