Birth Injury Compensation

Children with birth injury lawsuits injuries deserve every resource they require to lead a full and fulfilling life. Settlements that provide financial compensation can assist them in obtaining the resources they need.

A petition may be filed by a personal representative, the parents, guardian or the next of-kin of an injured child. Upon filing such a petition there is a reasonable assumption that will arise that the alleged injury was a neurologic injury resulting from birth as defined by SS 38.2-5001.

Medical expenses

It can be very traumatic to learn that a child sustained a birth injury due to negligence in the medical field. Aside from the emotional trauma that can result as a result of the injury, financial burdens can be significant. Parents are responsible for medical treatment as soon as they can and may have to invest a lifetime in therapy and other treatments.

Your attorney will go over the evidence to establish that a health care provider made an error which directly led to your child's injuries. He or she will determine the projected future costs of your child to include in a claim for compensation. These costs are called economic damages.

You can seek non-economic damages as well as paying for medical bills of your child as well as any other costs associated with it. This will compensate you and your family members for the suffering and pain your child has suffered. These damages aren't as than quantifiable. They can include mental anguish, physical disfigurement and other intangibles.

Many states have enacted medical indemnity programs to pay for certain future medical and rehabilitative costs for patients suffering from serious birth injuries. These funds receive a portion of malpractice insurance premiums, or require doctors and hospitals to contribute to the fund. New York's Medical Indemnity Fund, for example, provides lifetime payments to adults and children who have suffered from a neurological birth defect.

Suffering and pain

It's very expensive to provide your child with medical care throughout their life following an injury to their birth. Even minor injuries can quickly become costly. The pain and suffering associated with these injuries could be equally severe and you're entitled to compensation for it.

You should always consult with an attorney prior to talking to anyone from the hospital or insurance company, regardless of how serious your injuries are. You might be able apply what you say against them, and they may try to reduce the amount you receive. This is why it's vital to speak with an experienced birth injury lawyer before doing anything else.

After you've spoken with an attorney, they'll develop a convincing case for your child's injuries. This includes getting expert witness testimony to support your claim. They will also obtain swearing statements from the lawyers of the defendants and any other parties involved.

Once they have enough evidence, your lawyer will submit an application to the hospital and doctor responsible. The document will detail the circumstances of your child's injuries as well as how they were triggered due to medical malpractice. It will also include documents and records that support your claims. If the doctor doesn't accept your offer then your lawyer will file a lawsuit.

Future care costs

Birth injuries can be severe and lead to expensive long-term treatment that affects families financially. For instance, a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy requires lifelong treatment that will likely include medical interventions such as surgeries or home health care assistants therapies, medication, doctors' visits and prescriptions. These costs can quickly accumulate and significantly impact the family's lives.

In some instances the birth injury lawyer will engage an expert to produce what's known as a "life care plan." The document estimates future needs based upon the victim's age and medical history. It includes projected annual costs for things like medications as well as therapy visits to the doctor, attendant care, lost income in the future transport, and home improvements.

These damages could constitute part of the settlement in a birth-injury lawsuit or jury verdict. They are designed to improve the quality of life for the victim. However, some states limit noneconomic damages and this limitation could apply to birth-related injury lawsuits.

Many hospitals, doctors and insurance companies refuse to admit fault or even agree to pay for birth injuries. The majority of lawyers accept a settlement rather than going to trial. Lawyers will create a list of demands and forward them to the medical professionals involved in the case, injuries along with a detailed description of the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by your child. If the doctor or hospital refuses to comply with the terms of the agreement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.

Economic damages

Birth injuries can be expensive to treat, and the victims may require expensive treatment for a number of years or even their entire life. Economic damages in these cases may include past and future medical expenses, as as other costs associated with the patient's care such as mobility equipment. They are typically calculated with the help of a designated witness.

Parents should also be compensated for the emotional stress they've suffered, knowing that the medical negligence of their child could have been prevented. Certain states have laws acknowledging the emotional damage and awarding victims with non-economic damages for it.

Families should remember that, although many birth injuries can cause serious and debilitating diseases, children are often capable of living a full life with the right care. That's why it's essential that they have the financial resources necessary to give them the best chance of a happy and successful life.

An experienced lawyer can assist a family to file a birth injury lawsuit against the doctor or hospital responsible for their child's injury. They will investigate the case thoroughly and collect additional evidence to prove their claim that the medical professional failed to uphold a standard of medical care. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the defendants to reach a settlement. If not, then they will file an action.