Did you know that there are nearly 550 infant deaths for every 100,000 births according to the CDC? Plus, almost 800 women worldwide die every day from preventable causes due to pregnancy and childbirth says the World Health Organization)
Having a baby should be an exciting time, but joy can quickly turn to tragedy when an injury occurs. Birth trauma has been linked to serious, lifelong health complications that can cost families millions in medical care, equipment, and specialty childcare.
If you suspect your baby was hurt during birth, you need an experienced birth injury law firm in your corner like The Mellino Law Firm.
Scalp injuries account for 80% of all birth injuries (The Journal of Pediatrics) and injury to the brachial plexus occurs in 3 out of every 1,000 live births. (Boston Children’s Hospital)
We represent families affected by all types of birth injuries, including:
Further Reading: How Common Are Birth Injuries?
“The Mellino Law Firm went over and beyond to accommodate my family. Although nothing could change what we forever have to deal with, they made sure that the proper people were held accountable.” — Brittney C.
“The Mellino Law Firm took the worst thing that ever happened in my life and handled it with such professionalism, care, and charisma. They take the time to explain things and do their absolute best to receive the most rewarding outcome and nothing less.” — Riley M.
“Your kindness, understanding, and immense compassion truly helped our family get through a terrible event. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” — The Wadas Family
15.5% of birthing people in the U.S. receive inadequate prenatal care (March of Dimes). However, mothers who receive professional midwife care are 24% less likely to have a preterm birth. Their babies are also 16% less likely to die during delivery. (World Health Organization)
With adequate medical care, most birth injuries can be prevented.
Further Reading: Can You Prevent Birth Injuries?
Injuries during birth can be caused by several factors, such as:
Further Reading: What Are the Most Common Causes of Birth Injuries?
Your child may have suffered an injury at birth if they have:
Further Reading: What’s the Difference Between Birth Defects and Birth Injuries?
Some birth injuries are minor and heal on their own, while others may cause long-term or permanent damage. For example, bruising, swelling, and minor fractures typically resolve quickly. Nerve injuries, oxygen deprivation, and other serious injuries can last a lifetime.
Further Reading: Can Birth Injuries Be Cured?
If you think your child may have been injured at birth, here are four things you can do to protect them:
Start by asking the people who were present during your child’s birth what happened. Have staff who witnessed the delivery walk you through the process from start to finish, and don’t be afraid of asking questions to clarify something you don’t understand.
Request a complete copy of your child’s medical records from your obstetrician and the hospital where they were born. Keep this in a safe place and continue adding to it whenever you visit a new doctor or medical center.
It’s not uncommon for hospitals and medical professionals to be reluctant to discuss potential malpractice. Request a second opinion or take your baby to a different hospital where they can be evaluated without bias.
Contact an experienced Cleveland birth injury attorney as soon as possible after learning your child may have been harmed during delivery. Your lawyer can advocate for your family’s legal rights while you’re still in the hospital and will ensure you are treated appropriately.
Further Reading: How to Prove Your Child Suffered a Birth Injury
In Ohio, you have 1 year after your child’s injury occurred or one year from the date the injury was discovered to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. For example, if your child doesn’t show symptoms of their birth injury until the age of 2, then you will have until they are 3 to file your claim.
Working with a birth injury lawyer can give your family peace of mind while dealing with an extraordinarily difficult life event. They can also help preserve critical evidence and alert you to problems with your baby’s current care, so they can be resolved without further harm to your child.
The Mellino Law Firm has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for families of children who were injured at birth. Our team of zealous and highly qualified medical malpractice attorneys are committed to fighting for the justice and fair compensation your family deserves. Call today at (440) 333-3800 to book your free initial consultation.
19704 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH, 44116
600 Superior Avenue, Suite 1300, Cleveland OH, 44114