If your child has suffered a birth injury in Bridgeport, CT, you’re likely facing many difficult and overwhelming emotions. The experience of seeing your child harmed during birth can be traumatic, especially when it’s due to an error that could have been prevented.
While nothing can erase the pain or undo the harm that a doctor did to your child, you may seek justice and compensation for the care your child needs now and in the future.
A skilled Bridgeport birth injury lawyer can pursue the financial support that your family deserves.
At The Flood Law Firm, we understand how difficult these circumstances can be. We are here to offer you compassionate, dedicated support throughout the legal process.
If you want to learn more about your options or have questions, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure that your family gets the resources and care it needs during this challenging time.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
The Flood Law Firm recognizes the heavy burden that birth injuries can place on families. We believe you deserve personal attention, clear guidance, and relentless advocacy.
When you choose us, you gain more than just legal representation—you gain a team committed to helping you move forward with your life and securing the compensation necessary to care for your child’s future.
Here’s why we’re the right choice:
Compassionate, Experienced Representation
We approach every birth injury case with deep empathy and understanding. Birth injuries are often the result of medical negligence, and we know how overwhelming it can be to face the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that arise when your child has been hurt.
We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf, so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s care and well-being.
Dedication to the Bridgeport Community
The Flood Law Firm has served the Bridgeport community for more than 12 years. We are proud to have built strong relationships here, and we are honored to support families who find themselves in need of legal assistance after a birth injury.
Our deep knowledge of Connecticut's laws and our reputation in the community speak to our commitment to serving the people of Bridgeport.
Decades of Combined Experience
With decades of combined experience, our team brings invaluable insight to every case. We understand the complexities of birth injury claims, and we know how to effectively hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
Our attorneys handle your case with the utmost care and attention.
Track Record of Successful Settlements and Verdicts
Our firm has achieved numerous successful outcomes for families like yours. While no two cases are the same, our experience and track record demonstrate our ability to secure favorable results.
Whether through settlement negotiations or court verdicts, we have a history of delivering the compensation our clients need and deserve.
Knowledge of Connecticut Medical Malpractice Laws
Birth injury claims often involve medical malpractice, and Connecticut has specific laws that govern these cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and have a proven track record of applying them to achieve favorable client outcomes.
Network of Medical Experts and Specialists
In birth injury cases, expert testimony is often necessary to prove the extent of harm and the cause of the injury. Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of medical professionals who can provide crucial insights and support for your case. These experts help us build a compelling argument to hold the responsible parties accountable.
No Fee Unless We Secure Compensation
We understand that medical expenses and other costs related to birth injuries can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for your case. This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery without the added worry of legal fees.
Types of Birth Injuries We Handle
Many different types of birth injuries can occur during labor and delivery. Some are the result of medical malpractice, while others are unavoidable. However, when negligence is involved, you deserve compensation for your child’s suffering and for the medical care they’ll need moving forward. Here are some of the most common types of birth injuries we handle:
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can result from oxygen deprivation during birth. It affects motor skills, movement, and posture, and can lead to lifelong challenges. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for the care they’ll need for the rest of their life.
Erb's Palsy and Shoulder Dystocia
Erb’s palsy is a form of paralysis that affects the arm and is often caused by improper handling during delivery, particularly when shoulder dystocia occurs. If a doctor or delivery team fails to respond appropriately to shoulder dystocia, they may be held liable for the injury.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE occurs when the baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen during birth. This can cause severe brain damage and affect cognitive function, motor skills, and other aspects of development.
A skilled attorney can help you investigate the birth to determine if negligence injured your child.
Brain Damage Due to Oxygen Deprivation
When a baby is deprived of oxygen during birth, the results can be devastating. Oxygen deprivation can cause irreversible brain damage, affecting the child’s ability to speak, move, and interact with the world around them. We can help you pursue compensation for the lifelong care your child will need.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries during birth can result in paralysis or limited movement. These injuries are often the result of improper force applied during delivery or the failure to perform a timely C-section.
These injuries require significant medical care and rehabilitation, and we are here to ensure that your family is not left to bear those burdens alone.
Fractures and Bone Injuries
Fractures or broken bones can occur during delivery, especially if forceps or other delivery tools are used improperly. While some fractures heal with minimal treatment, others may lead to lifelong complications.
You deserve compensation for the medical treatment your child will need to recover.
Infections and Maternal Complications
Infections can occur during or after delivery if proper hygiene and care are not observed. These infections can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the child. If medical negligence causes an infection, we are here to help you seek justice and compensation.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries occur because of errors or negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Some of the most common causes include:
Medical Negligence During Pregnancy
Doctors have a responsibility to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Failure to diagnose or properly manage conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections can result in harm to the baby.
Labor and Delivery Errors
Mistakes made during labor and delivery, such as improper use of delivery instruments or failure to act promptly in the case of fetal distress, can lead to birth injuries. Medical staff must respond quickly to complications, and when they don’t, the consequences can cause devastating birth injuries.
Delayed C-Section
A delayed C-section can result in oxygen deprivation, brain damage, and other injuries. If the delivery team fails to perform a timely C-section when necessary, you may hold them accountable for any resulting injuries.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps, vacuums, and other delivery tools are meant to assist in a safe birth. However, improper use of these tools can lead to serious injuries, including nerve damage, fractures, and brain injuries.
Medication Errors
Administering the wrong medication, the wrong dose, or failing to monitor a patient properly can result in birth injuries. For example, improper use of anesthesia or failure to properly manage medications during labor can cause harm to both the mother and the baby.
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
If the medical team fails to monitor signs of fetal distress, they may miss warning signs that the baby is in danger. Failure to act can lead to severe birth injuries.
Inadequate Prenatal Care
Consistent and thorough prenatal care can keep both the mother and baby healthy throughout pregnancy. Inadequate prenatal care can lead to missed diagnoses and complications that may cause birth injuries.
The Birth Injury Claims Process
Pursuing a birth injury claim is a step-by-step process. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
During your first consultation, we will listen to your story, review your child’s medical records, and help you understand your legal options. This initial discussion is free of charge and allows us to begin evaluating the merits of your case.
Investigation and Gathering of Medical Records
After accepting your case, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth injury. This includes gathering medical records, reviewing hospital protocols, and consulting with medical experts to build a strong case.
Expert Testimony and Case Building
In many birth injury cases, expert testimony is necessary to prove that medical negligence occurred. We will work with specialists in obstetrics, neurology, and other relevant fields to gather evidence and strengthen your claim.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Once we’ve built your case, we’ll begin negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We work hard to secure a fair settlement that will cover your child’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other needs.
Trial Preparation and Representation
We are prepared to take your case to court if the at-fault party or their insurers won’t offer a fair settlement. We will handle all aspects of the trial, from filing paperwork to representing you in front of a judge and jury.
Timeline Expectations
The timeline for birth injury claims can vary depending on the case's complexity, but we will keep you informed every step of the way and work to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Compensation Available
Birth injury claims can result in compensation for:
- Medical Expenses (current and future)
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
- Special Equipment and Home Modifications
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Long-Term Care Needs
- Quality of Life Impact
We understand how costly long-term care can be, and we are here to help you recover the financial resources needed to ensure your child has everything they need to live the best life possible.
Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Claims in CT
Connecticut’s statute of limitations allows you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions for minors, which may allow you more time to take action. Don’t delay in contacting an attorney, though. Timely action helps preserve evidence in your case.
Bridgeport Birth Injury FAQs
How long does the legal process take?
The length of the legal process varies depending on the case and whether it requires negotiation or goes to trial. Generally, birth injury claims can take several months to over a year to resolve. We will keep you updated throughout each phase of the case and work efficiently to resolve it as quickly as possible while making sure your family gets the compensation you deserve.
How do hospital policies affect birth injury cases?
Hospital policies can play a role in birth injury claims, as they set the standards for care that medical professionals are expected to follow. If a hospital’s policy was not followed, leading to a birth injury, it may strengthen your case.
Our legal team will review the policies in place at the time of delivery, along with the actions of the medical staff, to determine if negligence occurred. Hospitals and their staff are obligated to provide appropriate care to protect both mother and child.
Will insurance coverage impact my claim?
Insurance companies often play a major role in birth injury cases. However, they may not always offer a fair settlement initially. Insurance adjusters work to minimize the amount they pay out.
We will handle all communications with the insurance company and ensure your claim is valued appropriately based on the extent of your child’s injury and the long-term care they will need.
Get Help from an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer in Bridgeport Today
At The Flood Law Firm, we’re ready to help you and your family during this difficult time. We understand the challenges you face, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (475) 273-4100 for your free consultation. Let us put our experience and compassion to work for you.