Birth Injury Lawyers in NYC

Birth should be a time of great joy, not sorrow. Welcoming a new life into the world is a moment that all parents should look back on with delight. Sadly for some parents, negligent physicians turn the joy of life into tragedy. At Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C., it’s our mission to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This includes infants with temporary or permanent injuries from medical malpractice. As a parent, you can count on our legal team to stand up for your little one with the full power of New York law.

Types of Birth Injuries

Not all infant injuries or issues during pregnancy, labor, and delivery are grounds for medical malpractice lawsuits. Some issues even the most attentive and competent physicians cannot prevent. Yet there are certain types of birth injuries that occur due to malpractice more than others. After a diagnosis of one of the following infant harms, consider speaking to a lawyer. You may have a lawsuit on your hands if a doctor has diagnosed your baby with:

• Cerebral palsy (CP). Although research shows that only about 10% of CP cases come from medical malpractice, it is still worthwhile to consult with an attorney. Mistakes during birth such as failure to monitor fetal vital signs or catch a maternal infection can lead to developmental problems within the brain. In turn, this can result in the neurological disorder cerebral palsy.
• Shoulder dystocia/brachial plexus injuries/Erb’s palsy. If the infant gets lodged in the birth canal (such as behind the mother’s pelvic bone), inappropriate remedy techniques can lead to injuries to the shoulder, head, and brachial plexus. Damage to the upper part of the arm during delivery can cause Erb’s palsy, a disorder that can lead to loss of feeling, muscle weakness, and even total paralysis in the affected arm. Shoulder dystocia can lead to severe injuries to mother and baby.
• Delivery-related trauma. Incompetent medical staff may misuse birthing tools or mishandle the infant, resulting in injuries to the baby. Examples include improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor during delivery. Administering incorrect medications, failing to monitor mother and baby, failure to prescribe emergency treatments such as cesarean sections, or mishandling the infant can all result in preventable injuries.

Pregnancy and delivery require physicians to constantly monitor mother and child, check for common issues, and take the necessary steps to minimize risks of injury. Negligence or carelessness at any stage of the process can result in broken bones, lacerations, head and brain injuries, and temporary or permanent infant disorders. If this sounds like what may have happened to your child, seek legal help immediately.

Take the First Step Toward Financial Recovery

We know a lawsuit won’t reverse your baby’s damages, but it can go a long way toward securing his or her future. It can also shed light on poor practices at your local birthing center or hospital. Incompetent physicians, unsanitary tools, malfunctioning equipment…these are all dangers that you could potentially save other children from – simply by holding the institution or individual accountable for your child’s injuries. Don’t wait; contact us today to learn more about your rights as a parent after a negligence-related birth injury in NYC.