Birth injuries are caused by preventable medical errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery or immediately after birth. They can have lifelong consequences for both the child and the family, altering the course of their future in profound ways The impact of an injury can be overwhelming, with families often facing ongoing medical care, therapy and adaptive needs for the child.

A birth injury is defined as preventable harm occurring before, during or shortly after delivery, typically as a result of a deviation from accepted medical practices. Some of the most common birth injuries are:

• Cerebral palsy from oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery.

• Erb’s palsy resulting from mismanagement of shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery).

• Brain bleeds or trauma from improper use of vacuum extractors or forceps.

• Fractures or nerve damage due to excessive traction or force applied during delivery.

• Maternal injuries arising during cesarean sections or postpartum care.

These injuries often signal that accepted medical standards of care were not followed. Medical negligence in birth injury cases frequently involves:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress (such as ignoring abnormal heart rate patterns or signs of oxygen deprivation).

• Delay of a C-section despite signs of fetal or maternal distress.

• Improper use or choice of delivery instruments (vacuum, forceps).

• Medication errors during labor or in postpartum care.

• Failure to diagnose and manage maternal complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or infection.

To pursue a birth injury claim in Connecticut, several legal hurdles must be cleared. First, a plaintiff must obtain a certificate of good faith: a written opinion from a qualified medical expert attesting that there appears to be reasonable evidence of malpractice. Success of a claim also hinges on persuasive expert testimony to explain the standard of care, how it was breached and how that breach caused injury. Early investigation is critical, as the complexities of medical evidence can affect the case’s outcome.

If you suspect a birth injury, promptly contact a Connecticut birth injury attorney to safeguard evidence and evaluate the case. A skilled attorney will:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of your medical records with consulting experts.

• Pinpoint deviations from the standard of care.

• Quantify long-term damages, including medical care, therapies, adaptive equipment, loss of earning potential and lifelong support needs.

• Manage communications with hospitals, insurance companies and defense attorneys.

• Provide critical guidance and support through a legally and emotionally challenging process, helping families seek the justice and resources they need.

The experienced lawyers at Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven represent Connecticut clients in a wide range of birth injury claims. To schedule a free consultation, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.