A Louisville Birth Injury Attorney: Helping Parents Of Injured Newborns Find Justice
For expectant parents, the long-awaited delivery date is often filled with nervous excitement as they anticipate the arrival of their newborn. Elation can quickly turn into alarm when a complication arises.
Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are responsible for giving the mother and infant the best possible care. However, mistakes during pregnancy and delivery happen with alarming frequency. In Louisville and across Kentucky, attorney David Gray has dedicated his legal career to helping the injured seek justice. Gray Law, PLLC, represents mothers who suffered unnecessary injuries during childbirth and parents of children who suffered a birth injury before, during or directly after delivery.
Comprehensive Representation For Birth Injuries In Kentucky
Kentucky birth injury lawyer, David Gray, has successfully handled birth injury claims affecting mothers and newborns involving:
- Brain injuries, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy
- Physical injuries, including Erb’s palsy, Klumpke’s palsy, brachial plexus, and shoulder dystocia
- Injuries caused by prenatal infections
- Extraction injuries, including those caused by forceps or a vacuum
- Compression of the umbilical cord
- Failure to perform a C-section
- Vaginal tearing
- A ruptured or prolapsed uterus
Sometimes, a birth injury can end with the tragic loss of life. Attorney David Gray also represents families who have lost a mother or a child due to a birth injury in a wrongful death action.
Common Causes Of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries fall into two categories: those that are unavoidable and those that could be prevented. Although certain factors make a birth injury more likely, many can be avoided through careful monitoring and swift treatment both during pregnancy and labor. An incomplete medical history, a rushed labor or improper use of instrumentation can cause lasting trauma. Common birth injuries include:
- Delayed birth: A prolonged labor can lead to complications such as oxygen deprivation, causing brain injuries.
- Improper use of instruments: The incorrect use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can cause physical trauma to the baby.
- Failure to monitor: Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s vital signs during labor can lead to undetected distress.
- Medication errors: Incorrect dosages or types of medication during labor can adversely affect both mother and child.
- Failure to perform a timely C-section: Delaying a necessary C-section can result in preventable injuries due to prolonged distress.
Not every birth injury results from malpractice. A knowledgeable Kentucky birth injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Infection-Related Birth Injuries
Infections during pregnancy or delivery can lead to serious birth injuries. Some common infection-related issues include:
- Group B strep: If not properly managed, this bacterial infection can be transmitted to the baby, leading to severe complications such as meningitis or pneumonia.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): This viral infection can cause hearing loss, vision problems or developmental delays in newborns.
- Herpes simplex virus: If transmitted during birth, this virus can cause neurological damage or even be life-threatening for the baby.
If a health care provider failed to diagnose or properly treat an infection, it might constitute medical malpractice. Louisville birth injury attorney David Gray can help determine if you have a valid claim related to infection.
Deadlines For Filing A Birth Injury Claim In Kentucky
In Kentucky, there is a deadline for filing a medical malpractice claim. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is usually one year from the date of the injury. However, birth injury cases can be more complex, especially when injuries are not immediately apparent. For children, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injury was not discovered earlier, allowing claims to be filed until one year after the child’s 18th birthday.
What Is The Difference Between A Birth Injury And A Birth Defect?
A birth injury occurs during the birthing process and is often preventable. It results from physical trauma or medical errors during delivery. Examples include nerve damage from improper use of delivery instruments or brain injuries from oxygen deprivation.
In contrast, a birth defect is a condition that develops before birth, often due to genetic factors or environmental influences during pregnancy. Birth defects are typically not preventable and are present at birth, whereas birth injuries are often the result of medical actions or inactions during labor and delivery.
Consult A Kentucky Birth Injury Lawyer For Free
An injury sustained during birth can affect your child for the rest of their life. While it is impossible to change what happened to the mother or newborn during or immediately after delivery, you can secure compensation for birth injuries that were caused by medical malpractice. Allow Gray Law, PLLC, to help you obtain the resources you need to provide your child with ongoing care and treatment.
To schedule your free appointment, call the firm at 502-205-7578 or send a message using the firm’s online form.