New York Birth Injury Lawyer

Birth Injury Lawsuits in New York

At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., our team of experienced legal professionals is dedicated to representing families affected by birth injuries, advocating for justice, and securing financial compensation that can help them move forward. Birth injuries can change a family’s life forever, and we understand the immense emotional and financial challenges that can arise from such circumstances. With our years of experience handling these highly sensitive and complex cases, we aim to provide guidance, strength, and expertise at every step. We offer a free consultation so you can learn more about your legal options. If you’re facing the devastating impact of a birth injury, our team is here to help you find a path forward.

Understanding Birth Injury and Medical Malpractice Laws in New York

Birth injuries are physical injuries sustained by a newborn during labor or delivery, often due to medical negligence. Unlike natural complications, birth injuries result when a medical provider’s error or omission leads to harm. In New York, birth injury cases fall under medical malpractice law, a field that addresses situations where a healthcare provider fails to deliver the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. When this harm is avoidable, the healthcare provider may be held legally accountable.

Medical malpractice laws in New York cover a broad range of birth injury scenarios, such as failure to diagnose fetal distress, delayed response to complications, improper use of delivery tools, and inappropriate treatment. Each of these situations can lead to birth injuries like cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and brain damage. Birth injuries often have lifelong consequences. The foundation of a birth injury or medical malpractice claim lies in proving that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused the injury and that this injury has led to substantial harm or long-term needs for the child.

New York state statutes and regulations lay out the specific obligations healthcare providers have in protecting both mother and child during birth. These laws detail the medical standards that obstetricians, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are expected to follow in the labor and delivery process. We ensure that every relevant statute is thoroughly examined and leveraged when building a solid case and keep you informed of your legal grounds and rights. Our goal is to provide a clear, well-supported claim that helps secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Types of Birth Injuries and Conditions

Birth injuries have their own set of unique challenges and potential for long-term impacts on the child’s health. Common types of birth injuries include Cephalohematoma (bleeding beneath the scalp due to trauma during birth), Brachial Plexus Injury (damage to the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand, often due to shoulder dystocia), and Cerebral Palsy (a neurological condition often resulting from oxygen deprivation or trauma). Each of these injuries can lead to substantial medical costs, rehabilitation needs, and the requirement for lifelong support.

In addition to these injuries, certain conditions can arise during birth that put a newborn at risk. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain, can lead to devastating brain injuries, including conditions like Intrauterine Hypoxia and Periventricular Leukomalacia. These injuries can impair cognitive development, motor skills, and overall quality of life. Other complications, like Neonatal Encephalopathy, often result from untreated infections or trauma during labor. Each of these conditions requires specialized medical intervention and can place an enormous emotional and financial strain on families.

The birth injuries our firm handles include a range of complications such as facial paralysis, clavicle fractures, nerve injuries, jaundice, and injuries resulting from vacuum extraction or forceps use. While some of these conditions may improve with treatment, others require intensive and ongoing care. We know the unique complexities associated with each type of birth injury, and we are dedicated to thoroughly investigating the specific circumstances of each case to determine how best to seek justice and just monetary compensation.

Burden of Proof in Birth Injury Cases

In a birth injury case, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, meaning that as the family pursuing the claim, you must demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly led to your child’s injury. This involves establishing four critical elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. First, we must show that the healthcare provider owed a duty of care to both mother and child during delivery, which is generally established through the patient-provider relationship.

Next, we focus on proving that the healthcare provider breached this duty by failing to meet the standard of care expected of a competent medical professional under similar circumstances. This breach of duty might include failing to monitor fetal distress, misusing medical equipment, or neglecting to diagnose complications during pregnancy. 

Causation is the next necessary component that must be proved in a birth injury case. Here, we must clearly demonstrate that this breach led to the injury, proving that the outcome would likely have been different had the provider acted appropriately.

Finally, we quantify the damages, encompassing both economic damages, such as medical expenses, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Expert testimony is often necessary to establish these elements, particularly when it comes to showing how the injury occurred and its future impact. We work with a network of trusted medical experts who provide detailed insights into the healthcare provider’s actions, strengthening our case and clarifying how their negligence caused the harm.

Filing a Birth Injury Lawsuit in New York

The first step in filing a birth injury lawsuit in New York begins with a thorough, no-cost consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your case, review any medical records, and discuss potential next steps. Our goal is to provide a straightforward assessment of the situation and explain the process of filing a claim. Once you decide to move forward, we begin a comprehensive investigation of the incident, gathering records and consulting experts to create a detailed timeline of events.

When our investigation is complete, we will proceed with filing the lawsuit in either the New York State or Federal Court. This legal document, known as the complaint, outlines the facts of the case, details the injuries, and names the parties involved. From there, the case enters the pre-trial phase, where both sides engage in discovery, collecting evidence, taking depositions, and, if appropriate, negotiating a potential settlement. While many cases settle during this stage, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, advocating vigorously for your family and your best interests.

Who Can File a Birth Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In New York, the right to file a birth injury lawsuit typically rests with the parents or legal guardians of the injured child. If the birth injury results in the wrongful death of the infant, certain close family members, including parents, may file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation. For injury cases involving minors, the legal guardians are permitted to file the claim.

If you’re considering filing a birth injury or wrongful death lawsuit, our New York law firm is here to help you understand your rights and obligations. Filing these types of claims requires detailed knowledge of both the law and the specific requirements associated with injury claims involving infants and minors. We work closely with you to ensure that every step of the process is handled with the utmost sensitivity and legal precision.

Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

New York law sets specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing birth injury and wrongful death claims. Generally, parents have until their child turns ten years old to file a birth injury claim or two and a half years after the child has turned 18 years old, although certain exceptions may apply. If the claim involves wrongful death, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of death. It’s necessary to act within these deadlines, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Certain circumstances, such as cases involving incapacitated parents or minors, may allow for extensions. Our firm can help you determine the exact deadlines for your case and ensure that every document is filed in a timely manner.

Why Speak to Our Firm After a Birth Injury?

Contacting our New York law firm after a birth injury is very important to protecting your family’s rights and securing the economic compensation needed to care for your child. These cases are complex, requiring an understanding of both medical and legal issues, as well as the experience to handle negotiations, litigation, and, if necessary, trials. Our legal team has dedicated years to handling medical malpractice and birth injury claims, and we’re prepared to take on the unique challenges of each case, pursuing justice on your behalf.

We believe in supporting our clients through every step, from the initial consultation through resolution, so you never feel alone in this journey. Our goal is to reduce the burden on you and allow you to focus on what’s most important—caring for your family.

Types of Compensation That May Be Available for Birth Injury Victims

Compensation for birth injury cases can be extensive, covering both immediate and long-term needs. Economic damages provide reimbursement for medical bills, future medical expenses, rehabilitation, and therapy costs. These damages also cover loss of future income and essential adjustments, like modifying your home to accommodate your child’s needs.

Non-economic damages account for the emotional impact of the injury, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Compensation may also be awarded for loss of companionship, ensuring that your child’s reduced quality of life is acknowledged.

In cases where a birth injury results in significant long-term needs, we also seek additional compensation to cover ongoing and supplemental benefits, including daily care, life enrichment activities, and future needs. This aspect of compensation ensures that your child has access to resources that improve their quality of life and allow them to experience joy, growth, and enrichment beyond basic medical care.

Why Retain Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C.

Choosing the right New York birth injury attorney is crucial when seeking justice in a birth injury case. Jeffrey Weiskopf has dedicated years to fighting for families facing the profound challenges of birth injuries, securing millions in settlements and verdicts that make a meaningful difference. We combine thorough legal knowledge with compassion, working closely with each client to ensure they are comfortable, informed, and empowered through every step of the process.

At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., we take a client-centered approach, understanding the unique and often overwhelming challenges that come with birth injury cases. Our commitment is to provide not only skilled legal representation but also unwavering support, offering clarity and comfort when you need it most. We invite you to reach out to us for a free consultation so that we can discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide the guidance your family needs.

Contact Our New York Birth Injury Attorney For Your Free Consultation

If your family has been affected by a birth injury, it’s essential to take steps to understand your legal options.  Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C. at 914-350-5175 for a free consultation. We are here to stand by your side, advocate for justice, and pursue the economic compensation that can make a real difference in your child’s life. Visit us at 30 State St, Suite 2B, Ossining, NY 10562, and let us help you take the first steps toward securing your family’s future.