SOUTHFIELD BIRTH INJURY LAWYER

Birth injuries can occur due to complications during labor and delivery and, in some cases, may be linked to medical negligence. Some of the more commonly reported birth injuries include:

• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A serious brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery, which can lead to long-term disability or death.
• Cerebral palsy: A neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination, sometimes associated with oxygen deprivation, brain trauma, or infection during birth.
• Perinatal asphyxia: Occurs when a baby does not receive sufficient oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth, potentially resulting in brain or organ damage.
• Brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s palsy & Klumpke’s palsy): Nerve damage affecting the arm and hand, often related to shoulder dystocia or excessive force during delivery.
• Bone fractures: The collarbone is most commonly affected, particularly in difficult or assisted deliveries.
• Facial nerve damage (Bell’s palsy): Pressure during delivery, especially with instruments, can lead to temporary or permanent facial weakness or paralysis.
• Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain that may result from birth trauma, sometimes associated with assisted delivery methods.
• Cephalohematoma: A buildup of blood between the skull and its outer covering, often linked to instrument-assisted deliveries.
• Caput succedaneum: Swelling of the scalp caused by prolonged pressure during labor.
• Spinal cord injuries: Rare but serious injuries that may occur due to excessive traction or improper use of delivery tools.

The specific cause and severity of a birth injury can vary, and a thorough medical evaluation is often needed to determine what occurred.

Early signs and symptoms of a birth injury can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Some may appear right away, while others may not become noticeable until weeks or months later. The following are some common signs to watch for:

Immediate signs (at birth or shortly after)

• Low Apgar scores: A low score, particularly if it remains low several minutes after birth, may indicate oxygen deprivation or other complications.
• Weak or absent reflexes: Limited responses, such as a weak grasp or startle reflex, can signal potential neurological concerns.
• Seizures: Seizures occurring within the first couple of days may be associated with brain injury, oxygen deprivation, or bleeding in the brain.
• Muscle stiffness or floppiness: Unusually stiff or overly relaxed muscles may suggest nerve or brain-related issues.
• Difficulty breathing: Respiratory distress or the need for resuscitation at birth can be a sign of oxygen deprivation.
• Feeding difficulties: Trouble sucking, swallowing, or excessive drooling may indicate underlying neurological or nerve-related problems.
• Abnormal movements: Jerky, uncoordinated, or spastic movements may point to a neurological condition.

Because symptoms can vary and may not always be immediately apparent, ongoing monitoring and medical evaluation can be important in identifying potential concerns early.

Signs that may appear in the first few months

• Delayed milestones: Difficulty lifting the head, rolling over, or reaching for objects at expected stages may suggest motor or neurological delays.
• Abnormal muscle tone: Ongoing stiffness (hypertonia) or unusual limpness (hypotonia) in the arms or legs.
• Favoring one side of the body: Consistently favoring one side, such as keeping a hand clenched or not moving one arm, may indicate nerve or muscle injury.
• Unusual crying or irritability: Excessive fussiness, back arching, or inconsolable crying may signal discomfort or underlying issues.
• Vision or hearing concerns: Limited response to visual or auditory stimuli may point to sensory impairments.
• Seizures or jerking movements: Episodes of seizures or abnormal movements occurring at home.

Long-term developmental signs

• Speech or cognitive delays: Difficulty with babbling, speaking, or understanding language may indicate a possible brain-related injury.
• Coordination and motor skill challenges: Trouble with crawling, walking, or grasping objects may be linked to nerve or muscle injuries. Some children with brain injuries may also exhibit excessive drooling or toe walking.
• Ongoing muscle weakness or paralysis: Certain limbs or facial muscles may not function properly due to nerve damage.

If a birth injury is suspected, early diagnosis and intervention are important. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical treatments can help improve long-term outcomes.

If you believe a birth injury may have occurred, taking prompt action can help ensure your child receives appropriate care and support. Consider the following steps:

Seek medical attention as soon as possible

If you notice symptoms such as seizures, feeding difficulties, muscle stiffness, or developmental delays, it’s important to consult a pediatrician or specialist promptly. Early intervention can have a meaningful impact on your child’s long-term development.

Request a comprehensive medical evaluation

Ask for a thorough assessment, which may include:

• Neurological examinations to evaluate brain function
• Imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to identify possible injuries
• Developmental screenings to monitor motor and cognitive progress
• Genetic testing, if appropriate, to help rule out underlying hereditary conditions

Early evaluation and ongoing monitoring can be important in understanding your child’s condition and determining the next steps.

Keep detailed medical records

Keep detailed records of all medical visits, test results, diagnoses, and treatments. Tracking symptoms, medications, and therapies can be important for both ongoing care and any potential legal claim.

Consult a birth injury specialist

Consider consulting a pediatric neurologist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist to explore treatment and therapy options. Early intervention programs can be important in supporting your child’s development.

Monitor developmental milestones

Compare your child’s growth and development with standard milestones. If they are significantly delayed in rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking, it may be a sign of a birth injury.

Contact Morgan & Morgan in Southfield, Michigan

If you believe a birth injury may have resulted from medical negligence or errors during labor and delivery, consider consulting an experienced birth injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan. A legal team can examine medical records for indications of malpractice, assess whether the injury may have been preventable, and seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and long-term care.

Birth injuries can have a profound impact on families, affecting them emotionally, financially, and physically. The extent of the impact depends on the severity of the injury, the child’s long-term needs, and the level of support available.

Emotional and psychological impact

• Stress and anxiety: Parents often experience overwhelming stress, fearing for their child’s future and dealing with uncertainty.
• Depression and grief: Some families go through a grieving process, mourning the life they had envisioned for their child.
• Guilt and blame: Parents may experience feelings of guilt and question whether they could have done something differently.
• Strained relationships: The emotional burden can put stress on marriages and family relationships, sometimes leading to conflict or even separation.
• Sibling challenges: Siblings may feel neglected as parents focus on the injured child’s needs, leading to feelings of resentment or confusion.

Financial burden

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing care can result in substantial costs.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs: Many children with birth injuries require physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which can accumulate over time.
• Assistive devices and home modifications: Families may need to purchase items such as wheelchairs, braces, or communication devices or make accessibility changes to their homes.
• Lost income: Parents may need to cut back on work hours or leave their jobs to provide full-time care, adding to the financial strain.

Long-term care and lifestyle adjustments

• Ongoing medical needs: Some birth injuries, like cerebral palsy or brain damage, require lifelong medical care.
• Educational challenges: Children with developmental delays or disabilities may need special education services, tutoring, or individualized learning plans.
• Caregiver responsibilities: Parents often become full-time caregivers, impacting their ability to work, socialize, or take care of themselves.
• Limited mobility and social opportunities: Families may need to make adjustments to accommodate their child’s mobility and health needs in daily life.

Legal and advocacy challenges

• Seeking justice: If a birth injury was caused by medical negligence, families may need to pursue legal action to seek compensation.
• Advocating for their child: Parents often need to fight for their child’s rights, whether in healthcare, education, or disability services.

Birth injuries may result from medical negligence when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postnatal treatment. When warning signs are overlooked or care is delayed, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.

Examples of negligence that may lead to birth injuries include:

• Failure to respond to fetal distress: Delays in performing an emergency C-section or intervening when oxygen levels drop can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, or HIE.
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum devices: Misuse can cause skull fractures, nerve damage, brain bleeds, or brachial plexus injuries.
• Delayed C-section: Prolonged labor without timely surgical intervention may lead to oxygen deprivation.
• Medication errors: Improper dosing of labor-inducing medications or errors in administering anesthesia can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
• Failure to diagnose or treat maternal conditions: Untreated infections or pregnancy complications may cause serious birth injuries.
• Umbilical cord complications: Unaddressed cord issues can result in oxygen deprivation or stillbirth.
• Failure to treat severe jaundice: Untreated jaundice can lead to kernicterus and permanent neurological damage.

Determining whether negligence occurred typically requires a thorough review of medical records and expert analysis. An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether the standard of care may have been breached and explain your legal options.

A birth injury refers to harm an infant sustains during labor or delivery, which may result from complications, medical error, or a failure to respond appropriately to those complications. These injuries can range from temporary conditions to more serious, long-term impairments affecting a child’s physical or cognitive development.

A birth defect, in contrast, is a condition that develops before birth and may be caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. It is generally not related to events during labor or delivery. However, in some cases, a failure to detect or properly manage a birth defect may raise concerns about the quality of medical care.

Key differences between birth injuries and birth defects

• Timing: Birth injuries occur during labor or delivery, while birth defects develop before birth.
• Cause: Birth injuries may be associated with complications or medical care during delivery, whereas birth defects are generally linked to genetic or environmental factors.
• Treatment: Some birth injuries may improve with treatment and therapy, while birth defects often require ongoing medical care.

Can birth defects be mistaken for birth injuries?

In some cases, birth defects may present with symptoms that appear similar to birth injuries. A thorough medical evaluation and expert analysis are often necessary to determine the underlying cause and whether any issues with care may have contributed.

Not all birth injuries can be prevented, but many may be avoidable with appropriate medical care before, during, and after delivery. Prevention often depends on healthcare providers meeting the accepted standard of care and parents staying informed about potential risks.

Steps that may help reduce the risk of birth injuries include:

• Proper prenatal care: Regular checkups can help monitor fetal development and identify complications such as gestational diabetes, infections, or high blood pressure. High-risk pregnancies may require closer monitoring or referral to specialists.
• Monitoring for fetal distress: Continuous monitoring during labor can help identify signs of oxygen deprivation or abnormal heart rates. Timely intervention, including performing a C-section when appropriate, may help reduce the risk of brain injuries such as HIE or cerebral palsy.
• Careful use of delivery tools: Instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors must be used properly to reduce the risk of fractures, nerve injuries, or bleeding.
• Preventing oxygen deprivation: Complications such as cord compression, placental abruption, or prolonged labor call for a prompt medical response to help safeguard the baby’s oxygen supply.
• Responsible use of medications: Labor-inducing medications and anesthesia should be administered carefully to avoid complications such as excessive contractions.
• Monitoring and treating jaundice: Early identification and treatment of newborn jaundice can help prevent kernicterus and long-term neurological damage.
• Parental awareness: Recognizing warning signs and advocating for timely care may help reduce the risk of further harm.

If a birth injury results from delayed action, improper technique, or a failure to monitor complications, it may raise concerns about medical negligence. In those situations, families may have legal options to pursue compensation for medical care and long-term support.

Whether your child’s condition may qualify for a birth injury lawsuit generally depends on three key factors: negligence, harm, and preventability.

Was there medical negligence?

A claim may arise if a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postnatal care. This may include failing to respond to fetal distress, delaying a necessary C-section, misusing delivery instruments, or failing to recognize and treat complications in a timely manner.

Did the injury cause significant harm?

To pursue a claim, the injury must have resulted in measurable harm, such as a brain injury, cerebral palsy, nerve damage, cognitive impairment, or other long-term medical needs.

Was the injury preventable?

An important consideration is whether the injury could have been avoided with appropriate medical care. If timely intervention or proper monitoring likely would have prevented the harm, there may be grounds for legal action.

Because birth injury cases are medically complex, determining whether a claim may exist typically requires a detailed review of medical records and expert analysis. An experienced birth injury attorney in Southfield, Michigan, can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options during a free case review.

Liability for a birth injury depends on the circumstances and the individuals involved in the child’s care. In many cases, responsibility may not rest with a single provider. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• Obstetricians (OB/GYNs): Doctors overseeing pregnancy and delivery may be held responsible if they fail to respond to fetal distress, delay a necessary C-section, misuse delivery instruments, or fail to monitor oxygen levels properly.
• Midwives: If a midwife mishandled labor, failed to recognize complications, or did not refer a high-risk situation to a physician, they may be held accountable.
• Anesthesiologists: Errors in administering or monitoring anesthesia during labor can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.
• Nurses and labor & delivery staff: Medical staff may be liable if they failed to properly monitor vital signs, report complications, or follow established protocols.
• Hospitals and medical facilities: Hospitals can be responsible for inadequate staffing, poor training, faulty equipment, or unsafe policies that contribute to preventable injuries.
• Pediatricians or neonatologists: Doctors responsible for a newborn’s care may be held liable if they fail to properly diagnose or treat serious conditions after birth, such as jaundice, infections, or oxygen-related injuries.
• Product or drug manufacturers: In some cases, a defective medical device or dangerous medication may contribute to the injury.

To establish liability, it must be shown that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure directly caused the injury. This typically involves:

• A thorough review of medical records
• Expert medical testimony
• Evidence of the injury and its long-term impact

Because birth injury cases are often medically complex, determining responsibility generally requires careful investigation and input from qualified experts.

If a birth injury was caused by medical negligence, families may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and the long-term impact of the injury. Damages generally fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages (financial losses)

These damages cover measurable costs related to the injury, including:

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, surgeries, therapy, medications, hospital stays, and specialized care
• Assistive devices and equipment: Wheelchairs, communication tools, prosthetics, or other necessary aids
• Rehabilitation costs: Physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy
• Home modifications: Ramps, widened doorways, or accessibility updates for permanent disabilities
• Lost income: Wages lost by parents who must reduce work hours to provide care
• Future earning capacity: If the child’s disability affects their ability to work later in life

Non-economic damages (personal impact)

These damages are intended to address the non-financial impacts of a birth injury, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress experienced by the child or parents
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to a permanent disability
• Loss of consortium in certain circumstances

Punitive damages (rare)

In cases involving especially egregious or reckless conduct, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible party and deter similar behavior.

Because birth injury cases often involve long-term or lifelong care needs, compensation is typically evaluated with input from medical and financial experts to address both current and future impacts.

The amount of compensation you can recover depends on various factors, including: 

• Severity of the injury: The more severe the birth injury and its long-term impact on your child, the higher the compensation.
• Duration of care needed: The more extended the need for medical care, therapy, or rehabilitation, the greater the potential compensation for future care costs.
• Evidence of negligence: The strength of the evidence proving medical malpractice or negligence will directly impact the success and amount of the compensation.
• State-specific laws: Some states place limits on certain types of damages, such as non-economic losses (pain and suffering), which can affect the overall compensation available. In Michigan, birth injury claims are generally treated as medical malpractice cases and are subject to specific legal requirements, including statutory caps on non-economic damages, with certain exceptions. These claims also involve procedural requirements, such as providing notice before filing a lawsuit and submitting an affidavit of merit, and typically require detailed medical records, expert evaluation, and a comprehensive life-care plan to assess long-term needs.
• Financial impact on the family: The ability of the parents to continue working and the amount of lost income will affect the damages awarded.

A birth injury lawsuit generally follows a structured process that begins with an initial review and may move through investigation, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial. While procedures vary by state, most cases involve the following steps:

• Case evaluation: An attorney reviews medical records, the circumstances surrounding the birth, and whether there is evidence of medical negligence. If the claim appears viable, the process moves forward.
• Investigation: The legal team gathers relevant records and consults qualified medical experts to evaluate whether the standard of care was breached and whether that breach caused the injury.
• Filing the lawsuit: If supported by the evidence, a formal complaint is filed against the appropriate parties, which may include healthcare providers or medical facilities.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange information, take depositions, and obtain expert opinions to prepare their cases.
• Settlement or trial: Many cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where liability and damages are determined.
• Resolution: If compensation is obtained through a settlement or verdict, it may be used to cover medical care, long-term needs, and other related losses. In some cases, appeals may follow.

Because birth injury claims often involve complex medical and legal issues, experienced legal guidance can be important at every stage of the process.

Insurance companies often play a central role in birth injury cases, as they are typically responsible for paying compensation. Most doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers carry medical malpractice insurance, which may cover legal defense costs as well as settlements or verdicts if negligence is established.

When a claim is filed, the provider’s insurance carrier is notified. An adjuster may be assigned to assess the claim by reviewing medical records, consulting experts, and determining whether the policy applies to the alleged conduct. The insurer will also retain defense counsel to represent the provider or facility.

Settlement negotiations

In many cases, insurance companies participate in settlement discussions before trial. However, insurers often aim to limit payouts and may offer less than the full value of a claim. They may also seek to resolve cases quickly to reduce the cost and risk of litigation.

If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. The insurance company typically funds the defense and pays any damages awarded, up to the limits of the policy.

Coverage limits and long-term needs

Malpractice insurance policies have financial limits, which can impact the amount of compensation available. In cases involving serious, long-term injuries, additional legal strategies may be necessary if damages exceed those limits.

If an insurer denies a claim, delays payment, or otherwise acts in bad faith, further legal action may be required.

Overall, insurance companies provide financial coverage and legal defense in birth injury cases, but their goal is often to limit liability, which is why experienced legal representation can be important.

The time limit for filing a birth injury lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies by state and by the specific circumstances of the case. These deadlines can be complex, especially in medical negligence claims, which many birth injury cases involve.

In some situations, exceptions may apply. For example, special rules can extend or modify filing deadlines in cases involving minors, government entities, or injuries that were not immediately discovered. Some states also impose an additional outer limit, often referred to as a statute of repose, that may restrict how long after an incident a claim can be filed, regardless of when the injury was identified.

Because these deadlines can vary depending on when the injury was discovered, who is involved, and specific state requirements, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Filing within the applicable deadline is critical. Missing the statute of limitations may result in your case being dismissed and could prevent you from recovering compensation. An experienced attorney can help determine the relevant time limits and ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.

Michigan does not have a separate administrative compensation program specifically for birth injuries. Instead, these cases are generally handled as medical malpractice claims under Michigan law.

Medical malpractice claims in Michigan follow established legal procedures and typically involve detailed medical evidence and expert testimony to determine whether the applicable standard of care was met. State law also places caps on certain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, although exceptions may apply in specific circumstances.

Because these claims can be complex and fact-specific, an attorney can help assess the situation early on and explain how Michigan law may affect your legal options.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are free. We believe everyone should have access to legal guidance, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our birth injury attorneys in Southfield is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan in Southfield, you don’t just hire a lawyer; you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 attorneys and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, which may include personal injury attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. A lead attorney will oversee your case and work to ensure you receive clear communication and personalized attention throughout the process.

You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager by phone and email. If you would like to speak directly with your attorney, a call can be scheduled so you have the opportunity to discuss your case.

Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced attorneys have represented clients in a wide range of similar cases. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys nationwide, we bring extensive resources, knowledge, and commitment to advocating for your rights. The firm has recovered $30 billion for clients across the country, and insurers recognize our willingness to pursue cases aggressively.

If you’re in Southfield or the surrounding Oakland County area, a local team can help review what happened, gather records, and explain your legal options.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we win.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.