Not every birth complication leads to a legal claim, but you may have a case if your child’s injury was caused by a medical provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.

To pursue a birth injury claim, it must typically be shown that a doctor, nurse, or medical team acted negligently and that this failure directly caused harm to the child or mother. These cases often involve issues such as delayed treatment, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to respond to signs of fetal distress.

Because birth injury cases are medically complex and emotionally difficult, an attorney can review the circumstances of your child’s injury and help determine whether it may have been preventable and whether you may have grounds to pursue compensation.

Birth injuries can occur for many reasons, but some are the result of preventable medical errors before, during, or after delivery.

Common causes of birth injuries may include:

• Improper use of forceps can cause nerve damage or head injuries
• Improper use of vacuum extraction devices during delivery
• Delays in ordering or performing a necessary cesarean section
• Failure to monitor or respond to fetal distress
• Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), which can result from issues such as a tangled umbilical cord, infection, or placental complications

When medical providers fail to recognize or properly respond to these risks, serious and lasting injuries can occur.

Birth injuries can range in severity, from temporary conditions to lifelong disabilities that require ongoing medical care and support.

Some of the most common birth injuries include:

• Brain injuries, including conditions such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• Cerebral palsy and other motor function disorders
• Brachial plexus injuries affecting the nerves in the shoulder and arm
• Seizure disorders and developmental delays
• Intracranial hemorrhage or other forms of head trauma
• Broken bones or physical injuries during delivery
• Hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal conditions
• In the most severe cases, stillbirth or fatal complications

These injuries can have long-term effects on a child’s development and quality of life, often requiring ongoing treatment, therapy, and support.

At Morgan & Morgan, hiring a birth injury lawyer does not require any upfront payment. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means attorney fees are only paid if compensation is successfully recovered in your case.

This allows families to pursue legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket costs during an already overwhelming and emotional time. Legal fees come as a percentage of the recovery, not from your own funds.

At Morgan & Morgan, the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we win your case. You can also begin with a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Birth injury cases are among the most complex and emotionally challenging types of medical malpractice claims. Choosing the right law firm can make an important difference in your family’s ability to pursue accountability and long-term support.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys and over 35 years of experience handling serious injury and medical malpractice cases. The firm has recovered more than $30 billion for clients and has the resources to take on hospitals, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.

Morgan & Morgan understands the lasting impact a birth injury can have on a child and their family. The firm is committed to helping families pursue the compensation they may need for ongoing care, medical treatment, and future support.

Morgan & Morgan works on a contingency fee basis, meaning the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win your case. You can start today with a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.