Four Parts of a Legal Claim

When a doctor or hospital results in a birth injury, the affected family deserves fair compensation to cover medical costs and provide for their child's future. Attorneys and experts collaborate to construct a case that meets four of the legal requirements.

The lawsuit starts by filing an accusation and summons by the attorney representing the plaintiff. The case goes through a discovery period, where attorneys exchange information and conduct depositions.

Statute of limitations

Birth injury lawsuits must be filed within the timeframe known as the statute of limitations. After this time the family members and victims could lose their right to financial compensation for damages arising from medical negligence.

A nurse or doctor who fails to meet standards of care is deemed to be guilty of medical malpractice. In many states, the standard is to practice within their limits of education, training and experience. Medical specialists like obstetricians are held to higher standards due to their special training and knowledge.

Lawyers often seek proof of the standard of medical care from experts who testify on behalf of clients. Experts can review the case file or conduct depositions of witnesses to help support claims of negligence.

Expert witnesses can discern between malpractice and mistakes. For example, a mistake is an error that a reasonably skilled and competent medical provider could have made in the circumstances, however the error caused harm. The issue of malpractice is more serious issue and involves an intentional act or omission causing harm. The majority of birth injury lawyers argue both theories to ensure victims get fair compensation for their injuries.

A family can file a birth injury lawsuit against private parties, such as hospitals or obstetricians, for negligence that causes the medical issues of a child. Families can also file a wrongful-death claim in cases where severe birth injuries result in a child's death.

Medical Records

It can be difficult to file a claim if you or someone you know has suffered a birth defect. A medical malpractice or personal injury attorney can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence and documentation to increase your chances of receiving the financial compensation owed.

A successful claim for birth injury is based on the establishing of four key elements which include duty of care, breach of this duty; causation and damages. A competent lawyer will work with your family to establish these elements using medical records and other evidence including expert testimony.

In a medical malpractice case, doctors are typically accountable for the actions they take during their work. However, a hospital can also be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of its employees when they are acting in the course and within the nature of their work.

Depending on the nature of your child's injuries they could require medical or life-care assistance for the rest of his or her life. This could mean a lot of expenses, like hospital stays as well as additional surgeries and procedures, medications, in-home carers equipment, as well as other services.

A birth injury lawsuit could take a long time to settle. However, an experienced legal team will speed up the process by examining all evidence and presenting it to you as quickly as possible. Most birth injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and contingent fee arrangements, which means that you will not have to pay any attorneys' fees while the lawsuit is pending unless they win compensation for you.

Expert Witnesses

The medical expert witness provides important information to the judge and jury. The expert will review the case and determine which elements are clinically important. This allows the lawyers to concentrate their arguments on the important and only focus on the pertinent issues. The expert can also translate medical and scientific terminology into a clear format for the jury.

To be successful, there must be four parts to be proved: negligence breach of duty, causation, and damages. To prove this, New York birth injury lawyers can use the medical documents as well as other evidence. They can name as defendants any medical providers involved in the care and delivery of the child, including the hospital or institution where the delivery took place. They could also be required to identify the mother's name or any other family member who was present at the birth.

Once the lawsuit is filed and the parties are able to go through the process of filing motions, hearings, and discovery. The exchange of medical records as well as other records is a part of the discovery process. The discovery period may last up to a full year. During this period, the parties will usually attempt to reach a settlement. If a settlement is not reached the case will be sent to trial. The trial can last for several years, although many cases settle faster.

Damages

The lawsuit process begins with the creation of a case to seek financial compensation. Your lawyer must have the resources to create a strong case, and then be able to go through trial if needed. Your lawyer typically advances all costs associated with lawsuits and only receives attorney's fees when they can recover money for you.

Your lawyer will submit an Summons and Complaint in the county court in which the injury happened. The doctors, hospitals and other medical providers become defendants. After the lawsuit has been filed, there are a number procedures that are followed. This is a stage during which attorneys exchange information and evidence, including taking depositions or sworn statements from witnesses.

Causation is an essential element of a birth injury lawsuit. This means that you must demonstrate that the medical professional did not fulfill their duty and if they hadn't the child would not have suffered an injury.

Proving damages is another important aspect of a legal proceeding for birth injury. Your lawyer will talk to experts to determine the complete range of your losses from medical expenses and loss of income to ongoing care costs and emotional anxiety. Your attorney may also seek to bolster your claim by submitting the results of other malpractice cases involving similar injuries. Lastly your lawyer will look at the current status of the laws applicable to your particular accident, including whether the noneconomic damage cap applies.