A birth injury is one of the most traumatic events that a parent can encounter in their lifetime. Whenever there is a complication during delivery, it results in a lifelong impact on the child and the entire family.
As the 18th-largest state in the US, Washington State does have its fair share of birth injuries. When disaster strikes, it is important for the parents to act quickly and bring the at-fault party to justice.
In Washington, the law on birth injury places much emphasis on early action. If your child has been affected, do not hesitate to begin proactive management measures.
Here are the immediate actions you should consider:
First, it’s really important to gather all the medical records related to your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This means everything, from discharge notes to any diagnoses or prescriptions you received during your stay at the hospital.
Don’t throw anything away. These records can be critical if you need to prove that negligence occurred. Without them, it becomes much harder to show what happened and who was responsible. Keep everything organized, because it could make all the difference if you end up needing legal help.
Next, keep a close eye on your child’s condition. Birth injuries aren’t always obvious right away. Some signs might not show up until weeks or even months after your child is born. Be vigilant for any developmental delays or physical issues. Some of the more common birth injuries include things like nerve damage, broken bones, or oxygen deprivation during birth, which can lead to long-term issues. It can be helpful to keep a journal documenting your child’s progress.
Note down any changes, improvements, or setbacks you notice. This journal isn’t just useful for doctors who are treating your child—it can also be valuable for attorneys if you need to pursue a legal case.
A qualified attorney can help determine if your child’s injury was the result of medical malpractice, meaning a mistake or negligence on the part of the doctors, nurses, or hospital staff.
Many attorneys who specialize in birth injuries work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. So even if you’re worried about the cost, it’s worth reaching out for a consultation to understand your options. Father helping mother with painful contractions, offering moral support during child birth in hospital ward. Pregnant woman pushing and screaming during caesarean surgery. Parenthood concept Some birth injuries may require years of therapy, medical interventions, or specialized care to help your child reach their full potential. You’ll want to look into different therapy options, special education services, and other resources your child might need.
There are also support groups—both locally and nationally—where you can connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences. These groups can offer emotional support as well as practical advice on everything from therapy options to dealing with schools or insurance.
Birth injuries can lead to serious medical expenses, especially if your child needs long-term care or ongoing treatments. There are programs and organizations that offer financial aid or assistance to families dealing with these kinds of challenges.
It’s a good idea to explore these options early on so you can focus on your child’s care without the added stress of worrying about how you’ll afford it all. Financial support might come from insurance, government programs, or non-profit organizations designed to help families in situations like yours.