Baton Rouge Birth Injury Lawyer
Having a baby should be one of the happiest days of your life, but for many mothers and newborns, the day ends in tragedy. Birth injuries can happen to the mother, baby, or both during labor and delivery. Despite all the advances in modern medicine, devastating medical errors during birth are still shockingly common. If you, your partner, or your baby were harmed during childbirth, you may be eligible for compensation in a medical malpractice lawsuit. You need to know your rights. Our Baton Rouge, LA birth injury lawyer can explain your options under Louisiana tort laws. Since 1975, the attorneys at Palmintier Law Group have been advocating for families like yours. We invite you to call us today to learn more.
Birth Injury Lawyer Baton Rouge, LA
Mothers giving birth are vulnerable to serious complications and injuries during labor. Many women may suffer irreparable damage to their reproductive system and be rendered infertile. There’s also a grave risk of hemorrhaging or infection, both of which could be fatal. Foetal distress is another serious complication that can turn deadly. Without proper care and monitoring of both mother and baby, one or both may sustain grievous harm.
Complications during delivery can include improper use of forceps, failure to order an emergency c-section in a timely manner, or a botched c-section delivery. Improperly administered epidural may cause damage to the spinal cord, even paralysis. Once the baby is born, they’re extremely vulnerable to infection; if a hospital fails to maintain strict hygiene and cleanliness standards, both mother and baby could contract a severe infection. Some babies may suffer both injuries that leave them permanently disabled, requiring lifelong medical care with no hope of living an independent, normal life.
As a victim of a birth injury, you’re weak, frightened, and in pain. You need a strong ally to protect your rights and hold negligent or careless medical care providers accountable for the harm they caused. Our Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer isn’t afraid of powerful hospitals or medical complexes. We take on tough opponents to get justice for our clients.
Our Legal Experience Makes A Difference In Birth Injury Cases
Medical malpractice claims can be difficult; they require attorneys who know not just the law but also the medical practices, procedures, and standards of care required for obstetricians, surgeons, and nurses well enough to prove that malpractice occurred. That’s us. To date, our Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
- 5-star rating on Google and dozens of positive, 5-star reviews from clients
- Our founding partners are active members of the Louisiana Association for Justice, including lead attorney Michael C. Palmintier’s role as President
- We’re local, and have been representing clients in the Baton Rouge area since 1975
- Our attorneys have over 80 years of combined legal experience, recovering millions of dollars for our injured clients
- Recognized by Martindale-Hubbard for excellence in the legal field and dedication to client interests
At Palmintier Law Group, we’re here to protect you and advocate for you as you pursue justice and fair compensation. Please contact us today for a consultation.
Types Of Birth Injury Cases We Handle
Birth injuries don’t just change the course of your child’s life. They also place a heavy emotional and financial burden on you and your family. When medical providers fail to take appropriate action during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the mistakes can lead to everlasting harm. Our Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer helps families seek compensation to cover costs for medical care, long-term help, and any challenges that may come with raising a child who endured an injury during birth. Below, we discuss in more detail the different types of cases we have experience handling.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is often linked to oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery. If your doctor failed to recognize signs of fetal distress or delayed a necessary cesarean section, this could cause your child to suffer brain damage, accompanied by motor delays, muscle stiffness, and coordination problems. Our injury attorney will review your labor records and work with medical experts to assess whether your child’s injury could have been avoided.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
These injuries occur when there is damage to the baby’s nerves near their shoulder—often due to forceful pulling or improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors. Children with brachial plexus injuries like Erb’s palsy may have limited movement in their arm or shoulder. In some cases, they may have a permanent disability. Our Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer will investigate whether your delivery was managed in accordance with medical best practices. If it wasn’t, we’ll help you fight for fair financial compensation.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
This condition typically results from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to a baby’s brain. HIE can lead to developmental delays or long-term neurological damage. Common causes include prolonged labor, placental problems, or cord compression. If these signs were ignored or mismanaged by your labor and delivery team, our Louisiana injury attorney will pursue a claim on your behalf.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spine damage is rare but can occur when excessive force is used during a breech delivery, or when improper handling causes trauma to the baby’s neck or back. These injuries can manifest as partial or full paralysis. We’re here to work with your child’s medical team to gather evidence and determine whether delivery practices contributed to their injury.
Delayed Diagnosis Of Postnatal Conditions
Sometimes injuries occur after birth when warning signs of infection or distress get overlooked. If your child developed complications because of delayed care or misdiagnosis, our legal team will work hard to uncover what happened and who is responsible.
Support Through Every Step
We understand how overwhelming birth injury diagnoses can be. It’s completely fair to have questions about your child’s future, ongoing care needs, and your options for financial compensation. Our Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer is here to give you the answers you need and help you pursue the financial support you deserve. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and explain the process so you know what to expect.
If you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence, you don’t have to figure out the path ahead all by yourself. At Palmintier Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping families recover after birth trauma. We’re ready to review your case and provide guidance on what to expect. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Common Causes Of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can have long-lasting effects on both the child and their family. When these injuries result from medical mistakes, it’s important to understand what may have gone wrong. A Baton Rouge, LA birth injury lawyer can help families uncover the truth and pursue justice. At Palmintier Law Group, we bring more than 80 years of combined experience to each case, offering trusted support to families during these difficult times. It is in your best interest to reach out a lawyer as soon as something happens due to:
1. Improper Use Of Delivery Tools
Instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors must be used with extreme caution. When applied incorrectly, they can cause physical trauma to the baby’s head or shoulders. These injuries may lead to long-term conditions such as brachial plexus injuries or cerebral palsy.
2. Delayed C-Section Decisions
A delay in performing a necessary cesarean section can result in oxygen deprivation, fetal distress, or other severe complications. Doctors are expected to monitor both the mother and baby closely, and when they fail to act swiftly, the baby may suffer serious harm.
3. Failure To Monitor Fetal Distress
Fetal heart rate monitors are critical in detecting signs of distress. When medical staff overlook or misinterpret these signs, they may miss the opportunity to prevent injury. A lack of oxygen during labor, for example, can lead to irreversible brain damage.
4. Improper Handling During Delivery
Medical personnel must follow proper procedures during labor and delivery. Excessive force, incorrect positioning, or failing to respond to a complicated birth scenario can cause nerve or spinal cord damage to the infant.
5. Inadequate Prenatal Care
Some birth injuries are linked to issues that should have been detected and managed during pregnancy. Conditions such as gestational diabetes or infections may increase the risk of complications if not properly addressed before delivery.
6. Medication Errors
Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to recognize drug allergies can have harmful effects on both mother and baby. These mistakes can complicate the birth process and contribute to injury.
7. Lack Of Communication Among Medical Staff
Effective communication in the delivery room is vital. Miscommunication about patient status, delayed decisions, or conflicting instructions can result in medical mistakes that might have otherwise been avoided.
8. Failure To Recognize Birth Complications
Complications like shoulder dystocia or umbilical cord prolapse require immediate and skilled intervention. When healthcare providers fail to recognize or properly respond to these situations, the baby can be harmed. This can be due to medical staff fatigue from a long delivery or stress caused by their schedules.
9. Inexperienced Medical Staff
Less experienced doctors or nurses may not be equipped to handle emergency situations. When hospitals allow undertrained personnel to take the lead during delivery, it increases the likelihood of preventable injuries.
10. Misdiagnosis Of Maternal Conditions
Conditions such as preeclampsia, infections, or placenta previa must be properly diagnosed and managed to protect the baby. Overlooking these issues can significantly increase the risk of complications during delivery.
Palmintier Law Group has been recognized by Super Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality representation to families facing birth injury cases. If you believe your child’s injury may have been caused by a medical mistake, don’t wait. Reach out to Palmintier Law Group to discuss your case today. If you have any records you have kept along the way, have those ready for your first appointment.
Baton Rouge Birth Injury FAQs
Parents facing unexpected complications at birth may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their next steps. When medical mistakes occur, they can sometimes result in lasting harm to a newborn. A Baton Rouge, LA birth injury lawyer can help families understand their options when this happens, offering guidance rooted in both compassion and experience. Palmintier Law Group brings over 80 years of combined experience to each case, providing legal representation with a strong foundation in medical injury law. Whether the injury is temporary or life-altering, understanding the nature of birth injuries is an important first step.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy From A Birth Injury?
Cerebral palsy symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition and the area of the brain affected. Some signs may include poor muscle tone, delays in reaching developmental milestones, exaggerated reflexes, difficulty with coordination, or involuntary movements. In newborns, symptoms may not appear right away but tend to become more evident within the first few months. Early diagnosis can be key in planning therapy and long-term care. If you notice that your child is not developing as they should, it is important to bring it up with a medical professional.
What Is Caput Succedaneum And How Serious Is It?
Caput succedaneum is a swelling of the soft tissues on a baby’s scalp that typically appears after vaginal delivery. It is often caused by pressure from the birth canal or the use of vacuum extraction tools. While the condition may look alarming, it is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a few days. However, in rare cases, it may lead to complications like jaundice or bruising that require medical attention. If you are concerned about this, you should address it with your doctor.
Are Some Birth Injuries Permanent Or Do They Heal?
Some birth injuries, like minor bruises or temporary nerve damage, often heal without lasting effects. Others, such as brain damage or severe spinal cord injuries, may lead to lifelong challenges. The prognosis depends on the type of injury, how quickly it is identified, and the effectiveness of medical intervention. For some families, early physical or occupational therapy can improve long-term outcomes significantly. We have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of clients and understand the lifelong implications these injuries can carry.
Can Birth Injuries Lead To Developmental Delays?
Yes, certain types of birth injuries can affect how a child grows and learns. Brain injuries, oxygen deprivation, or trauma during delivery may contribute to speech delays, motor skill challenges, or cognitive impairments. In some cases, signs of delay may not be noticeable until a child begins missing key milestones. Early intervention programs and therapies can make a major difference in managing these effects. During your regular pediatric doctor visits, they will take note of any delays they notice as a Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer can attest.
What Happens If A Baby Suffers A Bone Fracture At Birth?
Birth-related fractures, such as a broken clavicle or arm, can happen due to breech presentation, a large baby size, or difficult labor. These injuries are typically diagnosed soon after birth and may require a sling or gentle immobilization to heal properly. Most birth fractures do not result in long-term damage, but in some cases, improper treatment or delayed diagnosis could lead to complications.
Injuries like these may warrant a closer look if there is suspicion of negligence during delivery. If your child has suffered injuries at birth, contact a Baton Rouge birth injury lawyer at Palmintier Law Group for help today.