RALEIGH 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 most common birth injuries families in Raleigh may encounter include:

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery, which can lead to long-term disability or, in some cases, death.
• Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination, often associated with oxygen deprivation, brain trauma, infection, or HIE during birth.
• Perinatal Asphyxia: Occurs when a baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth, potentially resulting in brain damage or organ complications.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy & Klumpke’s Palsy): Nerve damage affecting the arm and hand, commonly caused by excessive pulling or shoulder dystocia during delivery.
• Bone Fractures: The clavicle (collarbone) is most frequently affected, especially in difficult deliveries such as breech births or those involving forceps or vacuum assistance.
• Facial Nerve Damage (Bell’s Palsy): Pressure during delivery, particularly when forceps are used, can result in temporary or permanent facial paralysis.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain caused by birth trauma, sometimes linked to assisted delivery methods.
• Cephalohematoma: A buildup of blood between the skull and its outer membrane, often associated with vacuum or forceps use.
• Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the scalp caused by prolonged pressure during labor.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Although rare, these serious injuries can result from excessive force or improper use of delivery tools.

The signs and symptoms of a birth injury can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some may appear immediately, while others develop over time. Common signs to watch for include:

Immediate Signs (at Birth or Shortly After)

• Low Apgar Scores: A low score, especially if it remains low at 5 and 10 minutes, may indicate oxygen deprivation or other complications.
• Weak or Absent Reflexes: Diminished reflexes, such as a weak grasp or reduced startle response, may suggest neurological issues.
• Seizures: Seizures within the first 48 hours may be a sign of brain injury, oxygen deprivation, or bleeding in the brain.
• Muscle Stiffness or Floppiness: Unusual muscle tone, whether stiff (hypertonia) or floppy (hypotonia), can indicate nerve or brain damage.
• Difficulty Breathing: Respiratory distress or the need for resuscitation at birth may point to perinatal asphyxia.
• Feeding Difficulties: Trouble sucking, swallowing, or excessive drooling may be linked to nerve damage or brain injury.
• Abnormal Movements: Jerky, spastic, or uncoordinated movements may indicate a neurological concern.

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 signal developmental delays.
• Abnormal Muscle Tone: Ongoing stiffness or limpness in the arms or legs.
• Favoring One Side: An infant who consistently favors one side, such as keeping a hand clenched or not moving one arm, may be showing signs of nerve or muscle damage.
• Unusual Crying or Irritability: Excessive fussiness, back arching, or inconsolable crying may indicate discomfort or underlying injury.
• Vision or Hearing Concerns: Limited response to sights or sounds may suggest sensory issues.
• Seizures or Jerking Movements at Home: Recurrent abnormal movements outside of a medical setting should be evaluated.

Long-Term Developmental Signs

• Speech or Cognitive Delays: Delays in babbling, speaking, or understanding language may indicate brain injury.
• Difficulty with Coordination and Motor Skills: Challenges with crawling, walking, or grasping objects may be linked to a birth-related injury. Children with brain injuries may also exhibit excessive drooling or toe walking.
• Persistent Weakness or Paralysis: Ongoing weakness or lack of movement in certain limbs or facial muscles may result from 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 suspect a birth injury, taking action as early as possible can help ensure your child receives the care and support they need. Consider the following steps:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you notice symptoms such as seizures, feeding difficulties, muscle stiffness, or developmental delays, consult a pediatrician or specialist promptly. Early intervention may help improve your child’s long-term outlook.

Request a Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

Ask for a full evaluation, which may include:

• Neurological exams to assess brain function
• Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to identify potential brain injuries
• Developmental screenings to monitor motor and cognitive progress
• Genetic testing to rule out inherited conditions

Keep Detailed Medical Records

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

Consult Specialists

Consider working with a pediatric neurologist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist to explore treatment options. Early intervention programs can play a key role in supporting your child’s development.

Monitor Developmental Milestones

Pay attention to your child’s growth and developmental progress. Delays in rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking may indicate an underlying issue.

Contact Morgan & Morgan in Raleigh, North Carolina

If you believe medical negligence during labor or delivery may have caused the injury, speaking with an experienced birth injury attorney can help you understand your options. Morgan & Morgan can review medical records, evaluate whether the injury may have been preventable, and pursue compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term needs.

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: Many parents experience intense stress as they cope with uncertainty and concerns about their child’s future.
• Depression and Grief: Families may go through a period of grief, mourning the life they had originally imagined for their child.
• Guilt and Self-Blame: It’s common for parents to question whether anything could have been done differently, leading to feelings of guilt.
• Strain on Relationships: The emotional weight of caring for an injured child can place pressure on marriages and family dynamics, sometimes causing conflict or separation.
• Challenges for Siblings: Siblings may feel overlooked as attention shifts to the child’s needs, which can lead to confusion or resentment.

Financial Burden

• Medical Bills: The cost of hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing medical care can be overwhelming.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Many children with birth injuries require physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, which can be expensive over time.
• Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: Families may need to invest in wheelchairs, braces, communication devices, or even modify their homes for accessibility.
• Lost Income: Parents may need to reduce work hours or quit their jobs to provide full-time care for their child, leading to 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 require 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 the birth injury was caused by medical negligence, families may need to navigate legal battles to secure 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 missed or care is delayed, the consequences can be severe and lifelong.

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: Incorrect dosing of labor-inducing drugs or anesthesia mistakes can harm both mother and 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 usually requires a careful review of medical records and expert evaluation. An experienced attorney can help assess whether the standard of care may have been breached and explain your legal options.

A birth injury refers to harm an infant experiences during labor and delivery, often due to medical negligence, improper techniques, or a failure to respond appropriately to complications. These injuries may be temporary or permanent and can affect a child’s physical and cognitive development.

A birth defect, by contrast, is a condition present at birth that develops during pregnancy due to genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. Unlike birth injuries, most birth defects are not caused by errors during labor or delivery, though in some cases, a failure to detect or treat them in a timely manner may involve medical negligence.

Key Differences Between Birth Injuries and Birth Defects

• Timing: Birth injuries occur during labor and delivery, while birth defects develop in the womb.
• Cause: Birth injuries are often preventable and may result from medical negligence, while birth defects typically stem from genetic, environmental, or unknown causes.
• Treatment: Some birth injuries may improve with treatment and therapy, while birth defects often require ongoing medical care.

Can birth defects be misdiagnosed as birth injuries?

Yes, some birth defects may initially present symptoms similar to birth injuries. However, thorough medical evaluations and expert analysis can help distinguish between the two and determine whether negligence may have played a role.

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

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

Proper Prenatal Care

Regular checkups help monitor fetal development and identify complications such as gestational diabetes, infections, or high blood pressure. High-risk pregnancies should be closely managed and referred to specialists when necessary.

Monitoring for Fetal Distress

Continuous monitoring during labor can detect oxygen deprivation or abnormal heart rates. Prompt intervention, including a timely C-section, can prevent brain injuries such as HIE or cerebral palsy.

Careful Use of Delivery Tools

Forceps and vacuum extractors must be used correctly and cautiously to avoid skull fractures, nerve injuries, or brain bleeds.

Preventing Oxygen Deprivation

Complications such as cord compression, placental abruption, or prolonged labor require a swift medical response to protect the baby’s oxygen supply.

Responsible Medication Use

Labor-inducing drugs and anesthesia must be administered carefully to avoid excessive contractions or other complications.

Monitoring and Treating Jaundice

Early detection and treatment of newborn jaundice can prevent kernicterus and long-term neurological damage.

Parental Awareness

Parents who recognize warning signs and seek prompt care may help reduce the risk of further harm.

If a birth injury is caused by delayed intervention, improper techniques, or a failure to monitor complications, it may be considered medical malpractice. In those situations, families may have legal options to seek compensation for medical care and long-term support.

Whether your child’s condition may qualify for a birth injury lawsuit typically 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 can include failing to respond to fetal distress, delaying a necessary C-section, misusing delivery tools, or not properly diagnosing and treating complications.

Did the injury result in significant harm?

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

Was the injury preventable?

A central issue is whether the injury could have been prevented with proper medical care. If timely intervention or appropriate monitoring would likely have avoided the harm, there may be a basis for legal action.

Because birth injury cases are medically complex, determining eligibility often requires a thorough review of medical records and input from medical experts. An experienced birth injury attorney in Raleigh can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options during a free case review.

Liability for a birth injury depends on what happened and who was involved in the child’s care. In many cases, responsibility may extend beyond just one provider. Potentially liable parties can include:

• Obstetricians (OB/GYNs): Doctors managing pregnancy and delivery may be responsible if they failed to respond to fetal distress, delayed a necessary C-section, misused delivery tools, or failed to monitor oxygen levels.
• 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 the mother and the 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 newborn care may be liable if they fail to 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 hold a party accountable, it must be shown that they 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 medically complex, establishing liability often requires detailed investigation and evaluation by qualified experts.

If a birth injury is caused by medical negligence, families may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and the long-term effects 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 care such as treatments, surgeries, therapy, medications, hospital stays, and specialized services
• Assistive devices and equipment: Wheelchairs, communication devices, prosthetics, or other necessary aids
• Rehabilitation costs: Physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy
• Home modifications: Accessibility updates like ramps or widened doorways for long-term needs
• Lost income: Wages lost by parents who may need to reduce work hours to provide care
• Future earning capacity: If the child’s condition affects their ability to work later in life

Non-Economic Damages (Personal Impact)

These damages address the non-financial effects of a birth injury, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress experienced by the child or family
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to long-term or permanent disability
• Loss of consortium in certain circumstances

Punitive Damages (Rare)

In cases involving particularly egregious or reckless conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior.

Because birth injury cases often involve lifelong care needs, compensation is typically determined with input from medical and financial experts to account for both current and future impacts.

The amount of compensation that may be recovered can depend on several factors, including:

• Severity of the injury: More serious injuries with long-term or permanent effects often result in higher compensation.
• Duration of care needed: Ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or rehabilitation can increase the value of a claim, especially when long-term care is required.
• Evidence of negligence: The strength of the evidence showing medical malpractice or a failure to meet the standard of care can directly influence the outcome and potential recovery.
• State-specific laws: North Carolina does place a cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in medical malpractice cases. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving catastrophic injury, disfigurement, or reckless or intentional misconduct. Birth injury claims are typically handled as medical negligence cases and often require detailed medical records, expert analysis, and a comprehensive life care plan to assess long-term needs.
• Financial impact on the family: Lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the overall financial strain on the family may also be considered when determining damages.

A birth injury lawsuit typically follows a structured path, beginning with a case review and, if appropriate, progressing through investigation, negotiation, and potentially trial. While details can vary, most cases include the following steps:

• Case evaluation: An attorney reviews medical records, the circumstances of the birth, and whether there is evidence of medical negligence. If the case appears viable, the process moves forward.
• Investigation: The legal team collects records and works with qualified medical experts to assess whether the standard of care was breached and whether that breach caused the injury.
• Filing the lawsuit: If supported by evidence, a formal complaint is filed against the responsible parties, which may include doctors, nurses, hospitals, or other providers.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange information, take sworn testimony (depositions), and obtain expert opinions to build their cases.
• Settlement or trial: Many cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides liability and damages.
• Resolution: If compensation is awarded through a settlement or verdict, payment is made to cover medical care, long-term needs, and other damages. In some cases, appeals may follow.

Because birth injury claims can be medically and legally complex, experienced legal guidance is important throughout the process.

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

When a claim is filed, the provider’s insurance company is notified. An adjuster is assigned to review medical records, consult experts, and determine whether the policy applies to the alleged negligence. The insurer also appoints defense attorneys to represent the healthcare provider or facility.

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

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

Because malpractice policies have coverage limits, the amount available may not fully account for long-term care needs in catastrophic birth injury cases. In these situations, additional legal strategies may be necessary.

If an insurance company denies a claim, delays payment, or acts unfairly, further legal action may be required.

In short, while insurance companies provide financial coverage and legal defense in birth injury cases, their goal is often to minimize liability, making experienced legal representation especially important.

The deadline for filing a birth injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and depends on the specific details of the case. These timelines can be complex, particularly in medical negligence claims, which many birth injury cases involve.

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

Because these timelines can vary based on several factors, it’s important to speak 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 deadlines that apply and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Some states have specialized compensation programs for certain catastrophic birth-related injuries that operate outside the traditional court system.

North Carolina does not have a separate birth injury compensation program. Instead, birth injury claims are generally pursued as medical malpractice cases through the civil court system.

These cases typically require proving that a healthcare provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and that this failure caused the injury. This often involves detailed medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of long-term care needs. An attorney can help evaluate the facts of your case and explain your legal options under North Carolina law.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our birth injury attorneys in Raleigh 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, you’re not just hiring a single attorney—you’re backed by the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with over 1,000 attorneys and offices nationwide.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. A primary attorney will oversee your case, coordinating with the team to provide consistent guidance and personalized attention throughout the process.

We prioritize staying connected with our clients. Most communication will take place with your Case Manager by phone or email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney, we can arrange a scheduled call.

Morgan & Morgan handles birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses to get started. The Fee Is Free™; you only pay if your case is successful.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, aligning our interests with yours and ensuring we are fully committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.

At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced attorneys have represented clients in cases like yours. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with over 1,000 attorneys nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and commitment to advocate for your rights. We’ve recovered more than $30 billion for clients across the country, and insurers know we’re prepared to fight.

If you’re in Raleigh or anywhere in Wake County, our 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.