Shreveport Birth Injury Attorneys
Assisting Families Throughout Bossier Parish & Bossier City
When a baby is born, it is a joyous occasion. However, when a baby is born with a birth injury, it can be a devastating experience for the family. Birth injuries can cause lifelong disabilities and require extensive medical care. In some cases, birth injuries can be fatal. If your child has suffered a birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law, we are committed to helping families who have been affected by birth injuries. Our Shreveport birth injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our birth injury attorney in Shreveport.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury is an injury that occurs to a baby during the birthing process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical malpractice. In some cases, birth injuries are unavoidable and are simply the result of a difficult birth. However, in many cases, birth injuries are the result of medical negligence. When a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide the appropriate standard of care during the birthing process, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can range in severity from minor to severe. Some birth injuries are temporary and will heal on their own. Others can cause permanent disabilities and require lifelong medical care. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain, which can occur during pregnancy, during the birthing process, or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. In some cases, cerebral palsy can also cause intellectual disabilities, seizures, and vision and hearing problems.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is a condition that affects the nerves in a baby’s arm. It is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that control the muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Erb’s palsy can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness in the arm, loss of feeling in the arm, and loss of movement in the arm. In some cases, Erb’s palsy can also cause the arm to be paralyzed.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Brachial plexus injury is a condition that affects the nerves in a baby’s shoulder. It is caused by damage to the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that control the muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injury can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness in the shoulder, loss of feeling in the shoulder, and loss of movement in the shoulder. In some cases, brachial plexus injury can also cause the shoulder to be paralyzed.
Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia is a condition that occurs when a baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. It is caused by a variety of factors, including a compressed or twisted umbilical cord, a detached placenta, and a prolonged or difficult birth. Perinatal asphyxia can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, a slow heart rate, and seizures. In some cases, perinatal asphyxia can also cause brain damage and death.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical malpractice. In some cases, birth injuries are unavoidable and are simply the result of a difficult birth. However, in many cases, birth injuries are the result of medical negligence. When a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide the appropriate standard of care during the birthing process, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Some of the most common causes of birth injuries include:
- Failure to Monitor: During the birthing process, it is important for the doctor and other medical professionals to closely monitor both the parent’s and baby’s vital signs. If the baby’s heart rate drops too low, it can be a sign that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. If the baby is not receiving enough oxygen, it can cause brain damage and other serious injuries. If the doctor and other medical professionals fail to monitor the baby’s heart rate, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
- Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: In some cases, a doctor may need to use forceps or a vacuum extractor to help deliver the baby. Forceps and vacuum extractors can be used to help guide the baby through the birth canal. However, if they are not used properly, they can cause serious injuries to the baby, for which the doctor may be held liable.
- Failure to Treat Infections: If a baby is born with an infection or develops one while under the facility’s care, it is important for the doctor to diagnose and treat it as quickly as possible. Failure to do so can have lifelong repercussions for the child, and could potentially even be fatal.
How Long Do I Have to File a Birth Injury Lawsuit?
If your child has suffered a birth injury, it is important to act quickly. In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the injury to file a birth injury lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will lose your right to recover compensation. That’s why it is essential to consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact Our Shreveport Birth Injury Lawyers
Bringing a child into the world is a momentous occasion, filled with hope and anticipation. Unfortunately, when medical negligence during childbirth leads to a birth injury, the joyous occasion can turn into a time of distress. If your family has been affected by a birth injury in Shreveport, Louisiana, the compassionate and experienced legal team at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law, is here to help you navigate this challenging journey.
At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law, we understand the emotional toll that birth injuries can take on families. Our commitment is to provide legal support that not only seeks compensation but also contributes to the well-being and future care of your child. If your family is dealing with a birth injury in Shreveport, contact us today for a compassionate and comprehensive legal consultation. Let us be your advocates in the pursuit of justice and the support your family deserves.
Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our birth injury lawyers in Shreveport.
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Had an amazing experience with Ryan E. Gatti Attorney At Law. They treated me as if I was family. They listened to my concerns and fought for me so I could heal. Super impressed with the outcome. Highly recommend.- Michelle McGee -
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Ryan E. Gatti is a class act, treating clients like family. The team provides high professionalism, exceeding expectations. They are responsive, answer questions, and provide transparency in your case. Highly recommended.- Mary H. -
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