When your newborn experiences a neonatal injury, it can be an overwhelming and distressing situation. You may find yourself uncertain about your rights or the appropriate steps to seek justice and support.
This is where The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can provide assistance. We are dedicated to assisting families in handling medical malpractice cases, ensuring you receive the compensation required for your child’s recovery. Our Florida neonatal injury lawyers are ready to serve you.
Take back control of your life and help your baby get the care they need. Schedule a free consultation today to see what our Florida medical malpractice lawyers can do for you.
Common Causes of Neonatal Injuries
Birth complications are often the primary contributors to these unfortunate incidents. Factors such as prolonged labor, breech births, or the use of forceps and vacuum extractors during delivery can lead to significant complications.
These challenging situations may result in physical trauma to the infant, potentially causing conditions like cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries. Our Florida personal injury lawyers have seen many cases like these.
Another significant factor contributing to neonatal injuries is medical negligence. Mistakes during prenatal care, inadequate fetal monitoring, or delays in performing necessary procedures like C-sections can lead to negative health outcomes for both mother and child.
Legal Rights of Families Affected by Neonatal Injuries
As a parent, you possess the right to hold accountable those involved in your child’s neonatal care. In cases where negligence or malpractice is evident, you can pursue a legal claim to cover the costs of medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and the emotional distress experienced by your family.
You have the right to ask questions and receive detailed explanations about the events surrounding your child’s injury. This includes understanding the procedures that were performed and any decisions made regarding your child’s treatment. Being informed empowers you to make better decisions for your child’s ongoing care.
If, through your questioning, you suspect that your medical team did something that harmed your newborn, then it’s time to speak with a Florida neonatal injury attorney.
Warning Signs Of Neonatal Injuries
Recognizing the warning signs of a neonatal injury early can lead to prompt intervention and better outcomes for your baby. While some injuries are immediately apparent, others may not show symptoms until days, weeks, or even months after birth.
Physical signs that may indicate a birth injury include:
- Bruising, swelling, or discoloration, particularly on the head, face, or shoulders
- Abnormal muscle tone (either too floppy or too rigid)
- Asymmetry in facial expressions or limb movements
- Arched back when crying, indicating possible pain
- Difficulty sucking, swallowing, or feeding
Neurological indicators that should prompt further evaluation include:
- Seizures or unusual eye movements
- Excessive crying or irritability
- Lethargy or lack of alertness
- Poor reflexes or missing reflexes
- Slow development of motor skills
Breathing or respiratory issues may manifest as:
- Bluish skin coloration (cyanosis)
- Labored breathing or rapid breathing
- Weak cry or difficulty making sounds
- Need for resuscitation or ventilation after birth
If you notice any of these warning signs in your newborn, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and get a proper diagnosis. Documentation of these symptoms by medical professionals can also be valuable if you later pursue a legal claim for a birth injury.
How Our Florida Neonatal Injury Attorneys Build Your Case
The first step is a thorough investigation of what happened during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We obtain and carefully review all relevant medical records, including prenatal care documentation, fetal monitoring strips, labor and delivery notes, and neonatal care records.
We consult with highly qualified medical experts who can evaluate the care provided and determine if it meets accepted standards. Their professional opinions form the foundation of your case by establishing how healthcare providers deviated from the standard of care.
If a medical expert agrees that your case has merit, then we will work to document the value of your case for our lawsuit. Throughout this process, we maintain clear communication with you, explaining each step and keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
Compensation Available For Neonatal Injuries
When a neonatal injury results from medical negligence, the law provides for various types of compensation to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of the injury. Understanding the potential damages can help you appreciate the full scope of your child’s legal claim.
Medical expenses often constitute the largest component of damages in neonatal injury cases. These include:
- Hospital bills from birth and any subsequent hospitalizations
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Medications and medical equipment
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Specialized treatments and rehabilitation programs
Future care costs must also be considered, as many birth injuries require ongoing medical attention and support services. A comprehensive claim includes projections for:
- Lifetime medical care related to the injury
- Adaptive equipment and assistive technology
- Home modifications to accommodate disabilities
- Special education services and tutoring
- Attendant care or residential facilities, if needed
Loss of earning potential is another important element of damages. If your child’s injury will limit their ability to work in the future, compensation should include the income they would likely have earned without the injury.
Non-economic damages address the intangible but very real impacts of the injury, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Parents may also be entitled to compensation for their own damages, including lost wages if they must reduce work hours to care for their child, and the emotional distress of watching their child suffer.
Taking Action For Your Child’s Future
If you suspect your child’s neonatal injury resulted from medical negligence, taking prompt action is crucial for protecting their rights and securing their future care. Here are the important steps to take when pursuing justice for your baby.
Consult with an experienced Florida neonatal injury lawyer before speaking with hospital representatives or insurance companies. Their early involvement can help protect your rights and ensure you don’t inadvertently harm your case by making statements that could be used against you later.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping families affected by neonatal injuries navigate this difficult journey. We handle all aspects of your legal claim so you can focus on your child’s care and recovery. Contact Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help secure your child’s future.
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