Birth Injury Lawyer in Reedley, CA
When a birth injury occurs due to medical negligence, families in Reedley, California need experienced legal representation to secure the compensation necessary for their child's care. Birth injuries can lead to lifelong challenges requiring specialized medical treatment, therapy, and accommodations. A birth injury lawyer with expertise in medical malpractice can help families navigate the complex legal process while they focus on caring for their child.
Birth injuries differ from birth defects, as they occur during the labor and delivery process rather than developing during pregnancy. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may result from oxygen deprivation, improper use of delivery tools, failure to monitor fetal distress, or delayed cesarean sections.
Common Types of Birth InjuriesBirth injuries can manifest in various ways, affecting different parts of the body and potentially causing long-term complications. Some of the most common birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation during birth, resulting in motor function impairment
- Erb's Palsy: Nerve damage affecting the shoulder, arm, and hand movement
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Damage to the network of nerves controlling arm and hand function
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage due to oxygen deprivation
- Skull Fractures: Often resulting from improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially causing partial or complete paralysis
- Facial Paralysis: Damage to facial nerves during delivery
- Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the soft tissues in the baby's scalp
- Cephalohematoma: Bleeding between the skull and its covering
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Breakage of small blood vessels in the eyes
A birth injury lawyer provides crucial assistance to families navigating the aftermath of a preventable birth injury. These legal professionals understand the medical complexities involved in birth injury cases and work diligently to establish liability while pursuing maximum compensation.
Legal Expertise in Medical Malpractice CasesBirth injury lawsuits fall under medical malpractice law, which involves specific procedural requirements and standards of proof. A birth injury lawyer with experience in this specialized field understands how to:
- Evaluate the circumstances surrounding the birth injury
- Determine potential liability among healthcare providers
- Assess the full extent of damages, including future care needs
- Navigate complex medical terminology and records
- Work with experts to establish causation and negligence
- Meet strict filing deadlines and procedural requirements
- Negotiate with insurance companies effectively
- Present compelling evidence in court if a settlement cannot be reached
When you consult with a birth injury lawyer, they will conduct a thorough investigation of your case. This typically includes:
- Reviewing all medical records related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery
- Consulting with experts to identify deviations from the standard of care
- Interviewing witnesses, including medical staff present during delivery
- Assessing long-term prognosis and care requirements
- Calculating economic and non-economic damages
A birth injury lawsuit seeks compensation for various damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Specialized equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages for caregiving parents
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Lifelong care requirements
For families in Reedley seeking legal representation for birth injury cases, Moseley Collins Law offers dedicated advocacy backed by over 40 years of experience. The firm focuses on helping families affected by medical negligence secure the resources needed for their child's care and future well-being.
Client-Centered ApproachMoseley Collins Law understands the emotional and financial challenges families face following a birth injury. The firm offers:
- Free consultations to discuss your case
- Guidance on potential legal options
- Compassionate support throughout the legal process
- Access to medical experts and resources
- Commitment to pursuing maximum compensation
With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, Moseley Collins Law has established a reputation for providing exceptional representation to families affected by birth injuries.
Understanding the legal process can help families prepare for what lies ahead when pursuing a birth injury lawsuit in California.
Initial Case EvaluationThe process begins with a free consultation to discuss the circumstances of the birth injury and determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. During this consultation, a birth injury lawyer will:
- Listen to your account of what happened
- Ask questions about the pregnancy, labor, and delivery
- Explain potential legal options
- Discuss how the lawyer-client relationship works
- Address any questions or concerns you may have
If your case moves forward, your lawyer will file a complaint against the responsible parties, which may include:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Hospitals or medical facilities
- Medical groups
- Other healthcare providers
The complaint outlines the allegations of negligence and the damages sought.
Discovery PhaseDuring discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence. This typically involves:
- Written interrogatories (questions)
- Requests for documents
- Depositions of witnesses and experts
- Independent medical examinations
Birth injury cases rely heavily on expert testimony to establish:
- The appropriate standard of care
- How the healthcare providers deviated from that standard
- How the deviation caused the birth injury
- The extent of damages and future care needs
Many birth injury cases settle before trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with the defendants' insurance companies, presenting the evidence gathered to secure a fair settlement offer.
Trial (If Necessary)If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial, where your lawyer will present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury.
Local Hospitals in and Around Reedley, CAFamilies in Reedley have access to several hospitals and medical facilities in the area. These include:
- Adventist Health Reedley 1726 10th St, Reedley, CA 93654
- Community Regional Medical Center 2823 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721
- Valley Children's Healthcare 9300 Valley Children's Pl, Madera, CA 93636
- Clovis Community Medical Center 2755 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA 93611
Moseley Collins Law provides legal representation to families affected by birth injuries throughout Reedley and surrounding areas in Fresno County, including:
- Dinuba
- Kingsburg
- Selma
- Parlier
- Orange Cove
- Sanger
- Fowler
- Del Rey
- Caruthers
- Kerman
- Fresno
- Clovis
- Visalia
- Hanford
- Lemoore
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, seeking legal representation is an important step toward securing the resources needed for their care. Moseley Collins Law offers free consultations to discuss your case and potential legal options.
Call 800-426-5546 today to speak with a birth injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and provide guidance on the path forward. While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused by a preventable birth injury, holding responsible parties accountable can help ensure your child receives the care and support they need throughout their life.
Moseley Collins Law is committed to helping families in Reedley and across California navigate the legal process with compassion and dedication. Even if we cannot represent you, we'll point you in the right direction to find the assistance you need.
Remember that each birth injury case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific circumstances involved. A thorough evaluation by an experienced birth injury lawyer is essential to understanding your legal options and the potential for compensation.