Your Dothan, Alabama Birth Injury Attorneys
The birth of a child should be one of the most meaningful moments in a family's life. However, when preventable medical errors occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, that moment can quickly turn into a lifetime of challenges. Birth injury cases are a complex form of medical malpractice that requires a deep understanding of both legal and medical standards. Unlike many other injury claims, these cases involve reviewing detailed medical records, identifying deviations from accepted care, and working with medical professionals to understand exactly how the injury occurred.
At The Cochran Firm, we represent families whose children have suffered serious birth injuries due to medical negligence. We thoroughly investigate prenatal care, labor, and delivery decisions to uncover what went wrong—whether it was a failure to monitor fetal distress, a delayed response, or the improper use of delivery tools. By working closely with medical experts, we build strong, evidence-backed claims that clearly connect the medical care provided to the injury sustained.
We proudly serve families throughout Dothan, Houston County, Southeast Alabama, Northwest Florida, and Southwest Georgia. Because we handle birth injury cases on a contingency fee basis, you pay no upfront legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your family.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often preventable and may occur when medical providers fail to act appropriately during pregnancy or delivery.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed or improperly performed C-section
- Mismanagement of oxygen levels during labor
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Failure to diagnose or respond to maternal or fetal complications
When these mistakes occur, the consequences can be life-altering, affecting not only a child’s physical and cognitive development but also their ability to live independently in the future.
Types of Birth Injuries We Handle
Birth injuries can vary widely in severity, but many lead to long-term or permanent conditions that require ongoing medical care, therapy, and support. Our Dothan birth injury lawyers represent families dealing with a wide range of preventable birth-related injuries, including:
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common and serious birth injuries, often caused by oxygen deprivation or lack of blood flow to the brain during labor or delivery. This condition can affect movement, coordination, muscle tone, and overall physical development, sometimes requiring lifelong care and assistance.
Erb’s Palsy and Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy, involve damage to the nerves that control the shoulder, arm, and hand. These injuries are often associated with difficult deliveries, such as shoulder dystocia, and may result in weakness, loss of function, or permanent disability.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious birth-related brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery. HIE can lead to seizures, developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and other long-term neurological issues that require extensive medical care.
Skull Fractures and Physical Trauma
Improper use of delivery tools or excessive force during childbirth can result in skull fractures, bleeding, or other physical trauma to a newborn. These injuries may require immediate medical intervention and can have lasting effects depending on severity.
Developmental Delays and Cognitive Impairments
Some birth injuries are not immediately apparent but become noticeable as a child grows. Developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges may be linked to complications during birth and can affect a child’s ability to reach important milestones.
Compensation in Birth Injury Cases
Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a birth injury claim may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Assistive devices and long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Because these cases often involve lifelong care, it is critical to accurately assess the full value of your claim.
Why Choose The Cochran Firm in Dothan, AL
The Cochran Firm has a long-standing reputation for handling complex injury cases and securing meaningful results for clients across the country. When you work with our Dothan office, you receive the attention and care of a local legal team backed by the strength and resources of a nationally recognized firm.
Our attorneys bring decades of experience in personal injury and medical malpractice, along with access to a broad network of medical experts and legal professionals who help us build strong, evidence-based cases. We understand the complexity of birth injury claims and the level of detail required to properly investigate, evaluate, and present them.
As part of a nationwide network, The Cochran Firm has collectively secured billions in verdicts and settlements, giving our clients access to the knowledge and resources needed for even the most challenging cases. At the same time, our Dothan team remains focused on providing personal, responsive support to every family we represent.
We approach every case with the understanding that this is not just a legal matter — it is your child’s future.
Contact a Dothan Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If your child suffered a birth injury, time matters. Medical records must be preserved, and legal deadlines can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Contact The Cochran Firm in Dothan today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps.
Call 1-800-THE-FIRM or request a free consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a birth injury?
A birth injury typically refers to harm a baby suffers during pregnancy, labor, or delivery due to medical negligence or preventable errors. This can include failures to monitor fetal distress, delays in necessary treatment, or improper delivery techniques. While some complications are unavoidable, a birth injury claim focuses on whether proper medical care could have prevented or reduced the harm.
What is the long-term impact of a birth injury?
A birth injury is not just a single medical event; it can shape the course of a child's life. Families often find themselves navigating complex, long-term needs, including ongoing medical treatment, specialist care, physical or occupational therapy, and special education services. Beyond the financial impact, families must balance medical decisions and the emotional weight of advocating for their child's future.
How long do I have to file a birth injury claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years. However, cases involving children may include exceptions depending on when the injury is discovered. Because these rules can be complex and strictly enforced, it is important to speak with a birth injury attorney as soon as possible to understand the exact deadline that applies to your case and to avoid losing your right to file.
How much compensation can you receive for a birth injury?
There is no fixed amount, as every birth injury case is different. Compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the cost of ongoing medical care, and how the condition affects your child’s long-term development and quality of life. In cases involving permanent disabilities, compensation is often structured to account for lifelong care and support needs.
What is the hardest part of proving a birth injury case?
One of the most challenging aspects is proving that the injury was caused by medical negligence rather than an unavoidable complication. This typically requires detailed medical records, expert review, and a clear timeline showing how a provider’s actions or inaction led to the injury. Establishing this connection is critical to building a strong claim.
What are common signs of a birth injury?
Some birth injuries are immediately noticeable, while others may develop over time. Early signs can include seizures, difficulty feeding, abnormal muscle tone, or delays in reaching developmental milestones. If something does not seem right, it is important to seek medical evaluation and document concerns early, as this can be important for both treatment and any potential legal claim.
