If your child or loved one has suffered harm due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Cochran Firm, our experienced birth injury lawyers in Washington, D.C. help families pursue justice when mistakes by doctors, nurses, or hospitals result in devastating outcomes. Birth injury cases often involve complex medical records and expert testimony. We have the resources and medical malpractice experience necessary to hold healthcare providers accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves.
Within medical malpractice law, birth injuries occur when injury or death results to a child or mother during the birthing process. Birth injuries happen due to negligence, medical mistakes, or improper hospital policies. In some cases, birth injury litigation may also involve negligent prenatal care, such as:
Birth injuries can cause serious, long-term conditions that affect a child’s quality of life. The most common types are cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy, which are often the result of nerve or brain damage during delivery.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in children, affecting about 1 in 345 children in the U.S. (CDC). It occurs when a baby’s brain is damaged before, during, or shortly after birth. The lifetime cost of care for someone with CP is estimated at over $1 million. There are four main types of CP:
Spastic CP: Includes diplegia (affects legs), hemiplegia (one side of body), and quadriplegia (all four limbs and face).
Dyskinetic CP: Involuntary, uncontrolled movements.
Ataxic CP: Impaired balance, coordination, and fine motor control.
Mixed CP: Combination of symptoms, often spastic-dyskinetic.
Erb’s palsy is caused by damage to the brachial plexus nerves in the arm during delivery, often due to shoulder dystocia or other birth complications. This condition occurs in about 0.5 – 2.6 per 1,000 full-term births and can lead to weakness or paralysis in one arm. Early treatment, including physical therapy or surgery, is important for recovery. If you are concerned that your child is experiencing difficulty with their movement or may have cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy it is important to contact your doctor or nurse or request a referral to a specialist if needed.
In Washington, D.C., proving negligence in a birth injury case involves demonstrating that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. An experienced D.C. birth injury lawyer will build a strong case by establishing:
To prove negligence, experienced attorneys work with leading medical experts in Washington, D.C., and nationwide to review records, provide expert testimony, and identify how the birth injury could have been prevented.
The value of a birth injury case depends on the severity of the injury, the long-term care needed, and the financial impact on the family. Families pursuing birth injury claims in Washington, D.C. may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
In some cases, settlements for severe conditions like cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries can reach millions of dollars due to the extensive, lifelong care required. An experienced birth injury lawyer in Washington, D.C. will work with medical and financial experts to ensure your family receives the maximum compensation possible.
Birth injury settlements in Washington, D.C. can vary widely. Factors like the extent of the child’s injuries, the cost of long-term care, and the emotional impact on the family all influence the potential value of a claim. Compensation may cover:
For severe birth injuries like cerebral palsy or brachial plexus damage, settlements or jury verdicts can reach millions of dollars due to the lifetime cost of care. The best D.C. birth injury attorneys will work with medical specialists and financial experts to determine the maximum compensation your family is entitled to.
When your child has been hurt due to medical mistakes, you and your family may feel overwhelmed. You may be wondering if hiring a birth injury lawyer in Washington, D.C. is truly necessary, especially when you’re already facing emotional and financial stress. The reality is that hospitals and insurance companies often prioritize protecting themselves, not families. The best lawyers handle all the legal details and become your advocate during one of the hardest times of your life.
If you believe that negligence by medical staff or a physician resulted in a birth injury or death, contact a birth injury lawyer today. At The Cochran Firm, our experienced Washington, D.C. birth injury lawyers are here to guide you, your child, and your family through every step of the legal process. We provide:
Comprehensive case evaluations: We investigate medical records, consult expert witnesses, and determine whether medical negligence caused your child’s injury.
Access to top medical professionals: Our legal team partners with leading physicians and specialists to uncover errors and build a strong case.
Aggressive negotiation: We fight to secure the full compensation you deserve, handling complex talks with hospitals and insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your family’s rights.
When you choose The Cochran Firm in Washington, D.C., you gain a team that understands the emotional and financial toll of birth injuries. Contact our birth injury lawyers today for a free,no-obligation initial consultation
