Children who suffer birth injuries should have every resource they need to live a valuable life. A settlement can provide them with the financial assistance they require to obtain these resources.
A petition can be filed by a personal representative, parents, guardian or the next-of-kin of an injured child. After filing a petition there is a reasonable assumption that will arise that the injury alleged was a neurologic injury resulting from birth as defined in SS 38.2-5001.
Medical expenses
It can be extremely distressing to learn that a child has suffered birth injuries due to medical negligence. In addition to the emotional pain it can be an immense financial burden. Parents are responsible for medical treatment as soon as they can and could be required to spend a lifetime in therapy and other treatments.
Your lawyer will analyze the evidence to prove that a healthcare provider made a mistake that led directly to the injuries of your child. Then, he will calculate your child’s estimated future expenses and add them to the demand for compensation. These expenses are referred to as economic damages.
You may claim non-economic damages in addition paying the medical bills of your child, as well as other costs associated with it. This will pay you and your family members for the pain and Birth Injury Compensation suffering your child has endured. These damages are not quantifiable and Birth Injury Compensation could include mental anguish, disfigurement and other intangibles.
Many states have enacted medical indemnity policies to cover the future medical and rehabilitation costs for patients suffering from serious birth injuries. These funds are financed by the amount of malpractice insurance premiums, or they require hospitals and doctors to contribute. New York’s Medical Indemnity Fund, for example, provides lifetime payments to adults and children who have suffered a neurological birth defect.
Pain and suffering
It’s a huge expense to provide your child with medical attention for the rest of their life following the trauma of birth. Even minor injuries can quickly increase in value. You deserve compensation for the pain and suffering that can result from these injuries.
However serious your child’s injuries may be, you should not talk to the hospital or insurance company without consulting an attorney. You may be able to apply what you say against you, and they might try to reduce your compensation. It is crucial to consult an experienced lawyer for birth injuries before making any other decision.
If you meet with an attorney, they will build a solid argument for the injuries your child sustained. This includes the gathering of expert witness testimony to support your claim. They also will take depositions, or sworn statements from the lawyers of the defendants and any other parties involved in the case.
Once your lawyer has sufficient evidence, they will submit a demand package (a document with all the details) to the hospital and doctor responsible. The document will detail the circumstances of your child’s injuries and how they were caused by medical malpractice. It also includes documents and evidence to support your claims. If the doctor declines your proposal, then your lawyer will file a suit.
Future care costs
Severe birth injury can lead to expensive long-term treatment, which impacts families financially. A child who has cerebral palsy will require a lifetime of treatment, which may include surgeries as well as home health care assistants, therapy and medication sessions and prescriptions and doctor’s visits. These costs can quickly accumulate and significantly impact a family’s quality of life.
In some instances the birth injury lawyer may hire an expert to draft what’s known as a «life care plan.» This document estimates future requirements based on a victim’s age and medical history. It also includes estimates of the annual cost for things like medications, doctor visits, therapy and attendant care, as well as future lost income, transportation and home improvements.
These damages are usually the largest portion of a settlement or a jury verdict in an injury lawsuit for birth, and they’re designed to enhance the victim’s quality of life. Certain states limit noneconomic damages, and this limitation can be applied to birth injury lawsuit-related injuries.
Many doctors and hospitals, insurance companies and doctors are reluctant to admit fault or even pay for birth defects. This is the reason that most lawyers will choose to pursue a settlement rather than a trial verdict. An attorney will prepare a demand letter and send it to the medical experts involved in the case along with a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to your child’s injuries. If the doctor or the hospital refuses to comply with the conditions of the contract, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.
Economic damages
A birth injury can be costly to treat, and those who suffer from it can require expensive care for a long time or even their entire lives. In these situations, economic damages could include future and past medical expenses and costs associated with victim’s care such as mobility accommodations. These are usually estimated with the help of an expert witness.
Parents are also entitled to compensation for the emotional trauma they have experienced knowing that the medical negligence of their child could have been avoided. Certain states have laws that recognize this emotional injury and providing victims with non-economic compensation for it.
Families should remember that, while some birth injury attorneys injuries could result in serious and debilitating diseases, children are often in a position to lead a healthy life when they have the right support. It is crucial that they are provided with the financial resources necessary to ensure a long-lasting and enjoyable life.
An experienced lawyer can assist families file a birth injury litigation injury lawsuit against the doctor or hospital responsible for their child’s injury. They will take a thorough look at the case and collect additional evidence to present an argument that proves the medical professional failed to adhere to a high standard of care. They will then negotiate with the defendants to determine whether a settlement is reached. If the settlement is not reached, they’ll prepare to begin an action.