Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care, harming the patient. In Missouri, birth injuries can happen due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries can lead to lifelong consequences for the child and emotional and financial hardships for the family.
At Dempsey Kingsland Osteen, we understand the gravity of these situations and are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable. If your loved one has suffered a birth injury in Raytown, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal assistance.
Our Dempsey Kingsland Osteen team has over 20 years of extensive litigation experience, making us the premier law firm for medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. We are not just attorneys; we are advocates for our clients.
Our client-first approach ensures that we genuinely care for those we represent. With a culture of excellence and a team of experts, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Contact a Raytown birth injury lawyer on our team to discuss your case, and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Seeking a trusted Raytown birth injury lawyer? Since 1986, Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen has been dedicated to fighting for your rights. Contact us today.
contact usTypes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can have profound and lasting impacts on a child’s life and their family’s well-being. These are some of the most common birth injuries that families in Raytown, MO, may encounter.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It can result from damage to a baby’s developing brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after birth. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include difficulty walking, speech problems, and intellectual disabilities.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus injuries occur when the nerve network that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand is damaged. This type of injury often happens during a difficult delivery when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck in the birth canal. It can lead to weakness, loss of feeling, or even paralysis in the affected arm.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a type of brain damage that occurs when an infant’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood. This condition can happen due to complications during labor and delivery, such as umbilical cord problems or placental issues. HIE can cause developmental delays, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairments.
Understanding the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for identifying and addressing the harm.
Where Do Birth Injuries Occur?
Birth injuries can occur in various settings, each with its unique risks and challenges. Understanding these environments helps identify potential issues and take appropriate action when needed.
Hospitals
Hospitals such as University Health Women’s Care and Saint Luke’s East Hospital near Raytown, MO, have advanced medical equipment and trained staff to handle childbirth. However, despite these resources, birth injuries can still happen. Medical negligence, miscommunication among staff, or unexpected complications can lead to significant harm. Hospitals must maintain high standards of care to prevent these tragic outcomes.
Birthing Centers
Birthing centers offer a more homelike environment for childbirth. Birthing facilities near Raytown like the Liberty Hospital Birthing Center provide a comfortable setting for expecting mothers. However, some birthing centers may lack immediate access to emergency medical equipment and specialized care. If complications arise, the lack of prompt medical intervention can increase the risk of birth injuries.
Home Births
Home births are chosen by some families for their comfort and familiarity. While they can be a positive experience, the absence of immediate medical intervention and equipment can pose significant risks if complications occur. Families in Raytown considering home births should ensure they have a well-trained midwife and a clear emergency plan in place.
Regardless of where your birth injury happened—in a hospital, birthing center, home, or during an emergency birth—understanding the setting is crucial for your case. An experienced attorney will help identify all the contributing factors and responsible parties, ensuring a thorough investigation.
Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can happen for various reasons, often involving the negligence of medical providers. In the United States, there are approximately 20,553 infant deaths annually, with a rate of 560.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. Understanding the leading causes of these tragic outcomes is crucial for pursuing legal action.
Leading Causes of Birth Injuries Due to Medical Negligence
- Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors;
- Failure to monitor fetal distress leading to oxygen deprivation;
- Delayed C-sections when urgently needed;
- Medication errors affecting the mother or baby; and
- Mishandling complications such as umbilical cord issues or breech births.
In addition to these preventable causes, infant deaths also result from congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities; disorders related to short gestation and low birthweight; and sudden infant death syndrome. By understanding these causes, families can better advocate for their rights and seek justice for preventable birth injuries.
Steps to Take After a Birth Injury
In Missouri, taking immediate and appropriate steps after a birth injury is crucial for protecting your child’s health and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention for your child to address any urgent health concerns. Then, gather all relevant medical records and documentation related to the pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
It’s also important to document your child’s symptoms and any treatments they receive. Finally, consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer in Raytown who can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
When Can You Sue After a Birth Injury?
You can sue for a birth injury when there is evidence that medical negligence or malpractice contributed to the injury. This includes situations where healthcare providers fail to provide the standard of care expected during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Acting promptly is crucial, as there are time limits for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Who to Sue for a Birth Injury in Raytown, MO
In Raytown, MO, you may be able to sue various parties for a birth injury, including:
- Doctors or obstetricians,
- Nurses or midwives,
- Hospitals or birthing centers, and
- Medical staff involved in the delivery.
The burden of proof and liability will differ based on who is responsible. For instance, holding a doctor accountable might require different evidence and expert testimony than a case against a hospital. Understanding these distinctions is essential, and having the best birth injury lawyer in Raytown can help you navigate these challenges effectively.
How a Raytown Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Dempsey Kingsland Osteen, our Raytown birth injury lawyers can make a significant difference in your case. We thoroughly investigate to gather all necessary evidence, consult medical experts to prove negligence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the justice you deserve.
