Birth Injury Lawyer Cleveland, OH

Seeking Justice And Recovery After A Birth Injury

Our Cleveland, OH birth injury lawyer understands that bringing a child into this world is one of the most exciting moments in a parent’s life. While a majority of births are successful, some can take a turn for the worst. When this happens, parents might feel unsure and scared about the future of the newborn. Complications can arise during pregnancy, the delivery, or soon after the birth. In some cases, these complications are natural and unpreventable. However, it is certainly possible for an error made by a medical clinician to lead to a complication. If you’re the parent of a child who was injured or lost their lives during their birth, pre, or postnatal care, and you believe what happened could have been avoided, it may be a good idea to ask a lawyer to review your case. Call us at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. to schedule a free case review. We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our medical malpractice clients, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Table of Contents

• Seeking Justice And Recovery After A Birth Injury
• Life Care Plans And Cost Projections
• Most Common Birth Injuries
• Infographic
• Birth Injury Statistics
• FAQs
• Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., Cleveland Birth Injury Lawyer
• Contact Our Cleveland Lawyer Today

Some birth injuries cannot be avoided. This may be due to genetics, hereditary predispositions, the health of the mother, and so forth. That being said, there are times in which a birth injury could have been prevented. Because this can be difficult to determine without reviewing medical records and other elements of a possible case, it’s highly advisable to reach out to our trustworthy attorney.

Determining whether a birth injury could have been prevented largely rests on whether any of the medical professionals involved adhered to their duty of care. In legal terms, and broadly speaking, the duty of care refers to skill and service provided by a medical professional who is of a sound mind, and with a comparable background. To make sure your case is reviewed properly, our lawyer might ask:

• What happened?
• What were you told?
• Was the birth injury predictable or sudden?
• Were there any unreasonable errors made?
• Would another medical professional, with the same or similar background, make the same decision?
• Was anything done that should not have been?
• Were there were any indications of a mistake?
• What were the reactions or behaviors of the medical staff?

It’s not uncommon for medical professionals to attempt to convince parents that a childbirth injury was indeed “unpreventable”, or something that “was going to happen no matter what.” Even if you have been told something similar, it is still a good idea to talk with a birth injury lawyer. A lawyer will likely gather all medical records and talk with various experts. In these types of cases, there is a high risk of evidence being lost, destroyed, or tampered with. Please act quickly.

Common Signs Of Birth Injuries

Identifying a birth injury may be obvious, or not as apparent, depending on the type of injury that was caused. Some injuries, they may not be noticeable until months or years post-delivery. But, there are initial signs that may mean a baby has sustained a serious birth injury. These include low heart rate, excessive drooling, low oxygen levels, weak reflexes, hand curled into a claw shape, high-pitched crying or fussiness, sensitivity to light, skull fractures, seizures, challenges with eating or swallowing, arched back and crying, and muscle stiffness.

If your baby had any of these symptoms immediately after delivery, then we strongly urge you to call us. We can provide a free consultation so you can find out whether it is worth pursuing a case. If your baby is showing peculiar symptoms similar to the ones listed above and has not gotten medical attention, we recommend doing so with a sense of emergency and then contact our law office.

Our firm has extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases involving maternal death, fetal demise, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and shoulder dystocia cases arising out of complications of the labor and delivery process. Neurologic damage to newborns, including permanent brain injury, spinal cord injury, or brachial plexus injury, are complex and expensive legal matters that require an experienced attorney having in-depth knowledge of the legal and medical issues that are involved in these cases. Birth trauma and resulting neurologic damage require an understanding of many subspecialties of medicine, including obstetrics, neonatology, pediatrics, pediatric neurology, and infectious disease. All of these medical subspecialties may be involved in litigation arising out of birth-related injuries.

Life Care Plans And Cost Projections

A lawyer has to account for all of the harms, losses, and damages arising out of a personal injury or medical malpractice claim. Some of these expenses are not obvious. Our trusted Cleveland birth injury lawyer will turn to a certified life care planner (CLCP) or another disability expert, such as a case manager, to determine the real economic costs caused by a serious injury. The preparation of a full-scale life care plan can cost from $10,000.00 to $50,000.00, depending upon the level of detail and the preparer’s credentials.

For instance, some life care plans are prepared by physicians who are also certified life care planners. If the doctor has to travel from his/her residence to another city or state to conduct a medical examination of the injured party, this can add substantially to the expense of the life care plan.

In order to avoid the substantial expense associated with a complete life care plan, some life care planners have begun to offer a cost projection in lieu of a life care plan. Cost projections are prepared based on existing medical records and bills. The life care planner does not interview the injured party or conduct a physical exam.

As explained by a life care planner in a recent deposition: “A life care plan is a detailed document that identifies the needs, both medical and non-medical, with the associated costs for someone who is catastrophically injured or chronically ill throughout their lifetime… A cost projection is a document that’s prepared to inform all parties involved of the expected or estimated future care through a lifetime or through a medical event.”

So, a cost projection is a less detailed accounting of the medical costs associated with a particular treatment. In order to prepare a cost projection, the life care planner must rely on testimony from a medical expert establishing that the future treatment is reasonable and necessary and related to the underlying injury. Cost projections are substantially cheaper than life care plans, ranging in cost from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00.

A cost projection is useful when the injured person’s future care is uncomplicated and defined. For instance, a cost projection would be appropriate in any of the following circumstances: (1) to assess the lifetime costs of dialysis; (2) to assess the lifetime costs of medications; or (3) to assess the lifetime costs of supplies or equipment that are routinely needed for care.

A cost projection would not be appropriate when the injured individual’s future care needs are complex or involve numerous one-time costs, like retrofitting an existing home to make it handicap accessible, purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van or other types of transportation, or periodic medical assessments by various specialists.

Life care plans and cost projections can be critical elements of the total damages involved in a personal injury lawsuit. Many states now have caps on noneconomic damages, like pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of usual activities, and loss of enjoyment of life. A birth injury lawyer handling cases involving quadriplegia, paraplegia, traumatic brain injury, amputation, permanent back injury, stroke, blindness, or birth injury, must capture all of the economic costs associated with such a condition at trial in order to maximize compensation for their client.

Most Common Birth Injuries

Birth injuries typically happen when the child is born. While they can happen after most of the time they do not. Here are the top 5 most common birth injuries:

• Cerebral Palsy 

Out of every 1,000 born about 2-3 may have cerebral palsy. It is characterized by a lack of motor skill development, weak muscles, and muscle spasms. In many cases, this is the result of damage to the brain that occurred during the birthing process. The improper monitoring of the laboring mother, inadequate birth techniques, and the failure to monitor fetal distress can all cause hypoxic episodes. There is no cure for cerebral palsy and it often requires a lifetime of therapy.

• Facial Paralysis 

If the infant’s face has too much pressure placed on it during the delivery period it can result in the facial nerves being damaged. This is more common when forceps or vacuum extraction is being used to pull the baby out.

• Oxygen Deprivation 

Oxygen deprivation during delivery can lead to brain injuries. These brain injuries can cause many issues like cerebral palsy or chronic seizures. When the doctor fails to monitor the infant during and after birth, then brain injuries can happen due to there being no oxygen.  These can happen even during mild oxygen deprivation.

• Cephalohematoma 

This is a birth injury that is marked by bleeding under the cranial bone. A raised bump may appear several hours after birth, often caused by the use of forceps. While it does tend to clear up within a few months, it can bring other risks such as meningitis, jaundice, anemia, or hypotension.

• Brachial Plexus

This is an injury that involves damage to the nerves that go from the upper spine to the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. This can result in temporary or even permanent disability. The mildest form involves stretching the nerve, while more severe cases involve torn or ruptured nerves that fail to heal properly. In the most extreme cases, there is complete paralysis that results from the root of the nerve being dislodged from the spine.

Infographic

Birth Injury Statistics

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately seven out of every 1,000 babies are born with a birth injury. Ten percent of these incidents occur in premature deliveries. Birth injuries can leave a child suffering from Cerebral Palsy, Brachial Plexus injury, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain hemorrhages, and more.

FAQs

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that will help build a basic understanding of the primary goals of a birth injury lawsuit. An experienced lawyer will be able to answer your questions in detail and will provide invaluable guidance throughout the entirety of the lawsuit process.

What are birth injury symptoms for a child who is 12-24 months old?

While we are not medical professionals, we are familiar with how birth injuries may present themselves. We understand that it can take upwards of 1-2 years before symptoms are apparently obvious, and this is particularly true if the injury was cognitive or behavioral. Sometimes parents do not realize something is not quite right until their child has entered school. Symptoms of a birth injury between the ages of 12-24 months include ataxia (loss of bodily movements), difficulty crawling or walking, intellectual problems, delay in speech development, poor coordination, trouble grasping objects and using them, involuntary pulling of the neck, not bringing items to mouth, and inability to pass a small item between each hand.

Is it possible for a child to exhibit signs of birth injury after two years?

Not all cases of birth injuries involved the child having symptoms within the first two years. If your child exhibits any of these signs, is over the age of two, and your gut tells you something may have gone wrong during your delivery, please call our office for a full case assessment: jerky reflexes or trouble with motor skills, the onset of disabilities related to development, such as epilepsy or autism, unable to talk or understand full sentences, cannot draw straight lines or complete circles, stiff muscles, shakiness or tremors, challenges getting up and down stairs, has trouble with drinking, eating, or getting dressed without support.

What is the goal of a birth injury lawsuit?

The primary goal of a birth injury lawsuit is to facilitate a space for parents of a child who was injured during birth to explore their legal options for pursuing compensation from the party who is believed to be responsible for the injury. With the representation of an experienced birth injury lawyer, parents may discover that they have a viable case and that there is potential for obtaining compensation to aid in their healing and recovery process. In many birth injury cases, there is no dollar amount that can feasibly make up for the hardships the child and their family were forced to endure. Ultimately, the goal of a compensation award is to make the recovery process less impactful financially.

How will my lawyer help determine who is liable for my child’s birth injury?

In order for a birth injury lawsuit to be considered a success, the plaintiff, commonly the parent or guardian of the child who was injured during birth must present substantial evidence that proves the defendant was liable for causing the injury or contributed to the conditions that caused it.

By means of evidence such as medical records, witnesses, photos or video, the birth injury lawyer will be able to develop a strategy for proving that the defendant was liable in their client’s case.

What can we pursue compensation for after a birth injury to my child?

Following an alleged birth injury where a party involved in the birth process is suspected to be liable, compensation can be pursued. Compensation is usually pursued to help families with the costs that were accrued as a direct result of the birth injury in an attempt to make these expenses less financially impactful. One example is the costs of long-term care needed for a neurological disability that resulted from the birth injury.

How are damages commonly classified in injury lawsuits?

When damages are referred to in the context of a lawsuit, they refer to the factors that financially impacted the victim. The family of a childbirth injury victim who is filing a lawsuit would pursue monetary compensation for the damages that were sustained. Compensatory damages are usually categorized as being either economic or non-economic. 

What are common examples of damages associated with birth injury lawsuits?

Economic damages are tangible damages that can easily be quantified. Their value cannot be interpreted differently based on their perception in the eyes of the jury that is reviewing them. These include past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, household services, out-of-pocket expenses, medical expenses may also be included under economic damages. These damages are bills that arise out of the injuries that are caused.

Other medical expenses that compensation can be collected for chronic physical health issues, chronic mental health issues, surgeries, and future treatments

Noneconomic damages are more difficult to quantify because they pertain to experiences that were endured, such as pain and suffering, humiliation, anguish, or loss of enjoyment of activities. These include pain, emotional anguish, humiliation, reputation damage, loss of enjoyment of activities, and more.

Birth Injury Glossary

When welcoming a newborn, parents expect care that meets accepted medical standards. Unfortunately, not every delivery goes as planned. If your child suffered harm during or shortly after delivery, you may be asking if the outcome was preventable. Our Cleveland, OH birth injury lawyer helps families in these situations understand their legal options and review their medical history to determine whether a case should move forward. On this glossary page, we define some of the most common legal and medical terms relevant to birth injury claims.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that can result from damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It often affects muscle tone, coordination, and movement. In the legal context, we examine whether a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), failure to respond to fetal distress, or improper handling during labor contributed to the injury. This condition may not be fully diagnosed until a child misses certain developmental milestones, and long-term medical care is usually required. Treatment often includes physical and occupational therapy, medication, and assistive equipment.

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury involves damage to the network of nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand. This can occur during delivery, especially when excessive force is applied or if the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, a situation known as shoulder dystocia. Depending on the severity, the condition may resolve over time or lead to permanent disability. Evaluating this type of injury often involves reviewing delivery records and interviewing medical professionals about whether appropriate methods were used during labor.

Life Care Plan

A life care plan is a detailed report outlining the current and future medical, educational, and personal needs of a person with a serious injury. It includes the estimated cost of these needs over the person’s lifetime. In birth injury cases, these plans are usually prepared by certified professionals and can include expenses like therapy, home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing medical treatment. These reports can be used in settlement discussions or at trial to demonstrate the full financial impact of the child’s condition.

Cost Projection

Cost projections are simplified alternatives to full life care plans. They are often used when the child’s care needs are clear and predictable. Instead of conducting personal assessments, the expert relies solely on medical records and bills to estimate future costs. Cost projections are useful in legal claims involving ongoing but non-complex care requirements-like long-term medication or routine medical supplies. These documents help establish the financial burden a family will face due to the child’s condition.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a type of brain injury that happens when a newborn’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood. HIE is often associated with delayed or failed recognition of fetal distress during labor, cord complications, or prolonged labor. It is a serious condition that can lead to permanent developmental delays, epilepsy, or other neurological issues. Medical records from labor and delivery-such as fetal heart rate monitoring-are key in assessing whether appropriate steps were taken to prevent this outcome.

At Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A., we work with medical experts and care planners to fully understand how your child’s injury occurred and what your family may face in the future. If you suspect your child’s condition could have been prevented, we welcome you to contact us for a consultation. We are committed to helping families pursue answers and compensation where appropriate.