Reliable and Competent New Hampshire Birth Injury Attorney at Your Service

The birth of a child should be a time of joy and celebration, but when complications arise, it can lead to unexpected and sometimes severe consequences. Birth injuries differ from congenital conditions, as birth injuries result specifically from trauma during the birthing process. 

Navigating the complexities of birth injury claims in New Hampshire requires skilled legal guidance. The intricate nature of these cases demands a thorough understanding of both medical and legal perspectives. Our team at Sabbeth Law is dedicated to assisting families in New Hampshire who are dealing with the aftermath of birth injuries.

Seeking the assistance of a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer can be vital in securing the compensation needed for the care and recovery of those affected by these injuries. Working closely with top medical professionals and leveraging our comprehensive legal knowledge, our birth injury lawyers at Sabbeth Law strive to provide the best possible outcome for families dealing with the emotional and financial burdens brought on by birth injuries.

Understanding Birth Injuries and Medical Malpractice

Birth injuries can range from mild to severe and may include conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and various brain injuries. These injuries can result from complications like prolonged labor or oxygen deprivation. A statistical report by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) can provide insight into the prevalence and types of these injuries.

There is medical malpractice when healthcare providers fail to adhere to standard care protocols, resulting in preventable harm. Negligence during childbirth often stems from misdiagnosis or delayed responses, such as not performing a C-section when necessary or improperly using birth-assisting tools. These errors can contribute to significant and long-lasting birth injuries.

Common signs of medical malpractice may include indicators like severe and undue delays in labor procedures, injuries caused by incorrect tool usage, or suspiciously absent critical interventions. An in-depth overview of potential malpractice issues is discussed on Sabbeth Law’s malpractice page.

In exploring these complex and serious issues, it is crucial to address them with the care and attention they deserve, recognizing the profound impact they have on families. Our reflections and actions must focus on advocating for safe childbirth practices to prevent such tragedies and traumas.

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Types of Birth Injuries and Potential Causes

Birth injuries can vary in severity, with some having lasting consequences for the child and family. Cerebral palsy is a common neurological injury often resulting from oxygen deprivation during birth. This condition affects movement and muscle coordination.

Brachial plexus injuries, like Erb’s palsy, occur when the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand is damaged. This can result from excessive pulling during delivery. Shoulder dystocia is a typical cause where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone.

Brain damage can be caused by a hemorrhage or bleeding inside the infant’s brain. Such injuries often arise from hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen, or traumatic birth procedures.

Facial paralysis might occur if forceps apply too much pressure on the baby’s facial nerve. These injuries can sometimes resolve on their own but may require further treatment.

In some instances, C-sections are performed to prevent injuries. Yet, improper execution can lead to complications like spinal cord injuries or nerve damage.

Cephalohematoma refers to bleeding between the skull and the skin, often resulting from the use of vacuum extractors. Although it may appear alarming, this injury usually resolves without long-term effects.

The above-mentioned injuries often arise from fetal distress or inadequate monitoring during labor. Ensuring timely interventions and cautious handling can mitigate these risks. This research provides insights into birth injury causes and helps guide prevention.

Identifying Signs of Birth Injuries in Newborns

When it comes to newborns, identifying the early signs of birth injuries is crucial for timely intervention. Physical signs can include a noticeable lack of movement in arms or legs or an unusual posture. Some infants might have difficulty breathing or feeding immediately after birth.

Not all symptoms appear right away. Some can manifest later as developmental delays or other challenges like poor reflexes. Awareness of these potential signs helps parents act quickly when seeking medical advice.

Birth injuries can sometimes be linked to conditions such as gestational diabetes or premature birth. Additionally, certain newborn infections might complicate the signs of a birth injury, making it even more important to monitor changes in behavior or physical condition closely.

Proper medical documentation is essential for tracking a newborn’s health. It is encouraged to maintain a detailed log of all appointments, treatments, and observed symptoms. This can be invaluable when discussing your case with healthcare professionals.

Keeping track of medical information also allows us to access resources about our rights. For insights on obtaining our child’s medical records, you may refer to the NH Department of Health’s guidance.

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Legal Process for Filing a Birth Injury Claim in New Hampshire

Navigating the legal landscape of a birth injury claim in New Hampshire can be intricate. We are here to help guide families through each step involved. Consultation is the initial phase, where we review and discuss the circumstances and potential grounds for a claim. This process is crucial for identifying the key aspects of your case.

The next step focuses on gathering evidence. This includes collecting medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony. Accurate and thorough documentation can significantly impact the strength of a birth injury lawsuit. Our experience compiling and organizing this evidence is a vital asset to your case.

Understanding New Hampshire’s statute of limitations is imperative. In New Hampshire, as in any US state, birth injury claims have to be filed within a specified period, which is usually three years from the time of the accident or discovery. Failing to act within this timeframe might jeopardize your ability to secure compensation. There may be exceptions, so it’s essential to consult with a birth injury attorney to ensure you’re proceeding within legal boundaries.

A birth injury claim can proceed to settlement discussions or trials. Settlements may provide a quicker resolution, while trials might offer a more comprehensive recovery, allowing for detailed examination of medical care and future needs. At Sabbeth Law, we diligently prepare for both scenarios, grounded in our commitment to achieving the best outcome possible for our clients in New Hampshire.

Potential Compensation in New Hampshire Birth Injury Cases

Families affected by birth injuries may be entitled to receive compensation for various types of damages. Medical expenses alone can be overwhelming, including costs for initial treatments, hospital stays, and any necessary medical devices. These expenses can quickly accumulate, adding financial stress during an already challenging time.

Beyond immediate medical costs, future medical expenses such as ongoing therapy and long-term care must be considered. These can represent a significant financial burden due to the necessity of medications, specialized care, or adaptive equipment. Planning for these expenses is crucial to ensure that the victim receives the best possible care throughout their life.

Compensation may also cover non-economic damages. Pain and suffering play a significant role, reflecting the emotional impact and reduced quality of life the family may experience. These damages acknowledge the profound and personal consequences of a birth injury, which often extend beyond financial concerns.

In some cases, families may also seek damages for loss of companionship, recognizing the impact on familial relationships. This form of compensation focuses on the emotional and relational toll a birth injury can have on family dynamics. Understanding all potential avenues for compensation can greatly benefit families seeking justice and the necessary resources to care for their loved ones.

If you’re seeking further guidance or wish to discuss the specifics of a case, consider reaching out to us for a comprehensive review. Our commitment is to help maximize the compensation you deserve, ensuring support for both current and future needs. Get started when you contact us for a free case review.

Navigating the complexities of a birth injury case can be overwhelming. We understand the emotional and physical burden families face. At Sabbeth Law, we provide compassionate and personalized legal support for families dealing with these difficult situations across New Hampshire.

Our team has extensive experience handling birth injury cases, ensuring that every client’s unique story is fully understood and respected. We strive to offer a supportive environment where families feel heard and valued.

We prioritize our clients’ needs and meticulously build strong, evidence-based cases. Pooling our experience, we work with top professional and national networks to ensure comprehensive support.

Our firm approaches each case with dedication, focusing on the specific circumstances and impacts of the injury. We strive to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients without making undue promises regarding results.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, allowing families to discuss their cases candidly with us. Through this consultation, we gather thorough insights and establish trust as we embark on this legal journey together. To learn more or to schedule your consultation, contact us today.

FAQ’s

1. Who can file a birth injury claim in New Hampshire?

If your child suffered a preventable injury during birth—such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or brain injury—a claim can be filed by the child’s parent or their legal representative. New Hampshire law allows advocacy on behalf of minors who experienced harm due to medical negligence during labor, delivery, or the immediate postpartum period.

2. What types of compensation are available in a New Hampshire birth injury case?

Potential compensation may include:

  • Current and future medical expenses (therapies, surgeries, durable medical equipment);
  • Costs for lifelong care and support services;
  • Pain and suffering for both the child and the family;
  • Lost income if caregiving impacts a parent’s ability to work;
  • Lost companionship or support—recognizing the emotional toll on families.

3. Who may be held responsible for a birth injury in New Hampshire?

Liability may extend to:

  • Medical professionals involved in prenatal, delivery, or postnatal care (doctors, nurses, midwives);
  • Hospitals or birthing facilities with inadequate oversight or staffing;
  • Other care providers or specialists if their actions contributed to a negligent outcome.

Proving liability typically involves forensic review of medical records and testimony from qualified experts.

4. What is the deadline for filing a birth injury claim in New Hampshire?

Most birth injury claims must be filed within three years of when the injury was—or reasonably should have been—discovered. In rare instances (e.g., infant or minor disability), deadlines may be extended, but it’s vital to consult promptly to preserve your legal rights.

5. Why should I hire a New Hampshire birth injury attorney?

A knowledgeable attorney helps by:

  • Coordinating with trusted medical experts to analyze whether standard-of-care was breached;
  • Building a compelling case for evidence-based legal advocacy;
  • Handling all aspects of litigation, including filing, discovery, insurance negotiations, or trial if needed;
  • Bringing compassionate support to families, aiming to secure fair compensation so you can focus on your child’s care and your family’s well-being.
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