Las Cruces Birth Injury Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Support for Families in New Mexico

The birth of a child is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but when medical negligence causes injury to a newborn, it can change everything. Your family will face many challenges and new responsibilities, not to mention the emotional toll that a birth injury can take on parents and other family members. You will also be dealing with the financial burden of medical bills and ongoing care for your child.

At James Wood Law, we understand what you are going through, and we can help. We have a deep understanding of birth injury cases and the many ways that medical professionals can be negligent. We know the damage that a birth injury can cause, and we are committed to helping you and your family recover just compensation.

If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, contact our Las Cruces birth injury lawyer online or call (888) 579-3866 to learn how we can help.

Birth Injuries Due to Medical Malpractice

Birth injuries can occur when a medical professional is negligent or fails to deliver the required standard of care. Some of the most common types of birth injuries are those caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, resulting in permanent brain damage. Birth injuries can also be caused by trauma during delivery, such as when a doctor uses excessive force or fails to respond to complications that arise during labor.

Given the complexities involved in delivery, any deviation from standard medical practices can significantly impact the health of the newborn and the mother. Birth injuries may require extensive medical treatments, ongoing therapy, and support, highlighting the crucial need for immediate legal and medical intervention.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:

• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is often caused by damage to the brain during birth, which can result from oxygen deprivation, infections, or head trauma.
• Erb’s Palsy: Erb’s palsy is a condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm due to injury to the brachial plexus nerves. This injury commonly occurs during delivery when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, requiring excessive force to deliver the baby.
• Facial Paralysis: Facial paralysis involves the loss of voluntary muscle movement in a newborn’s face. It is usually caused by pressure on the baby’s face during delivery, particularly when forceps are used to assist the birth.
• Fractures: Fractures, such as broken clavicles, can occur during a difficult or rapid delivery. These injuries often result from the use of forceps, vacuum extraction, or the physical stress of a breech birth.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: Brachial plexus injuries involve damage to the network of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. These injuries typically occur during delivery when the baby’s shoulders are stretched or compressed.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include bruises, lacerations, and swelling of the baby's skin and underlying tissues. These injuries often result from the use of delivery instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors or prolonged pressure during labor.
• Brain Damage: Brain damage in newborns can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, or developmental impairments. This type of injury is often caused by oxygen deprivation, trauma during delivery, or infections.
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage can affect various parts of the newborn’s body, leading to loss of function or sensation. This injury is typically caused by pressure, stretching, or improper use of delivery instruments during birth.
• Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding involves hemorrhaging within the newborn's body, which can affect organs and tissues. It is often the result of trauma during delivery, such as from forceps or vacuum extraction, or underlying conditions like coagulation disorders.

These are just a few examples of the types of birth injuries that can occur. Some birth injuries are apparent immediately, while others may not be diagnosed until much later. Birth injuries can result in permanent disabilities and can even be fatal.

The complexities surrounding birth injuries require a highly detailed and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. Families often need to navigate not just immediate medical challenges but also long-term considerations such as adaptive equipment, educational and occupational therapies, and potential surgical interventions. Understanding these implications is critical for families as they explore their legal avenues for support and redress.

Why Choose a Las Cruces Birth Injury Lawyer?

Choosing a local birth injury lawyer in Las Cruces means opting for someone familiar with the regional landscape and legal environment. A lawyer based in this area understands the state-specific regulations and the nuances of local courts, which can greatly benefit your case. They are also more accessible for in-person consultations and may have connections with local medical professionals who can provide crucial insights into birth injuries.

In Las Cruces, the community is tightly-knit, and local attorneys often have established relationships with other legal professionals, judges, and expert witnesses. This network can be invaluable in building a strong case, particularly when expertise and detailed testimonies are required. Working with an attorney who is aware of the local ethos and practices ensures that your family receives representation that is both legally and culturally attuned to your needs.