When a Delivery Becomes a Life-Altering Event

Pregnancy and childbirth already carry intense emotion and vulnerability. When a preventable medical mistake causes harm during labor or delivery, families may suddenly find themselves navigating NICU stays, unexpected diagnoses, and overwhelming decisions. Parents often experience grief, anger, and fear while trying to remain strong for their child.

Birth injury cases are not just about what happened in the delivery room. They are about planning for a child’s future. Many families must prepare for years of therapy, ongoing medical treatment, assistive technology, and specialized educational support. Working with experienced birth injury attorneys in Cleveland, OH allows families to pursue accountability while building a plan that protects long-term stability and quality of life.

After an accident, families often feel overwhelmed by medical bills, missed work, and constant uncertainty. Legal representation helps remove that pressure and gives you space to focus on getting better.

woman in hospital bed in pain

What Is a Birth Injury Claim?

A birth injury claim is a form of medical malpractice claim that seeks compensation when a healthcare provider’s negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery causes harm to a baby or mother. Birth injuries may occur when providers fail to respond to fetal distress, delay an emergency C-section, misuse delivery tools, or fail to manage known complications. These cases typically require expert medical review because the key question is whether the care met accepted medical standards and whether different decisions could have prevented the injury. In Ohio, birth injury claims are governed by specific statutes and procedural rules outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Understanding these requirements early is critical to preserving a family’s right to pursue accountability.

How Childbirth Injury Attorneys Can Help

  • A Thorough Review of Pregnancy and Delivery Records: Birth injury cases rely on detailed medical documentation, including prenatal records, fetal monitoring strips, delivery notes, Apgar scores, and NICU records. Legal representation helps uncover what occurred and whether the standard of care was breached.
  • A Claim Built Around Lifelong Needs: Many birth injuries require long-term therapy, adaptive equipment, and ongoing medical oversight. A well-prepared claim accounts for future treatment, specialized care, educational support, and financial security.
  • Guidance Through an Emotional and Complex Process: Families are often exhausted and overwhelmed. Birth injury attorneys provide structure, protect deadlines, and guide families forward without adding pressure or confusion.
  • Trial-Ready Preparation When the Stakes Are High: Hospitals and insurers frequently defend birth injury claims aggressively. A trial-ready approach helps ensure the case is taken seriously and positions the family for a fair outcome.

We prepare every case with the strength to go to court if needed, but filing a lawsuit does not always mean going to trial. Many cases settle because the other side recognizes the evidence is strong.

Banner media

Do I Need a Birth Injury Attorney?

You should consider legal guidance if your child suffered an unexpected injury during delivery, required intensive medical care, or was later diagnosed with a condition linked to labor or delivery complications. Some birth injuries are not fully apparent at birth and may only become clear months or years later as developmental delays emerge. Parents often monitor milestones closely, and tools like the CDC Developmental Milestones resource can help identify potential concerns.

Families should also seek guidance if there were signs of fetal distress, delayed emergency intervention, improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction, shoulder dystocia complications, or a failure to perform a timely C-section. A confidential consultation with a childbirth injury lawyer in Cleveland can help determine whether malpractice may have occurred and what evidence may support a claim.

logomark Background media

Talk with a local attorney today.

Available 24/7 (216) 425-0336

Birth Injury Case What to Expect

Step One: Listening and Gathering Medical Records

We begin by listening carefully to your story and learning what your child is facing today. We then collect medical records from pregnancy, labor and delivery, NICU care, and pediatric follow-up.

Step Two: Expert Review and Case Evaluation

Qualified medical experts review the records to determine whether the standard of care was met and whether different actions could have prevented the injury.

Step Three: Building a Claim Around Long-Term Needs

If malpractice is supported, we build a claim reflecting both current medical costs and future needs. This often includes therapy, assistive technology, ongoing treatment, and long-term care planning.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some birth injury cases resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation. We work with families to choose the path that best aligns with their goals and prepare every case to withstand close defense scrutiny.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can affect physical development, neurological function, and long-term independence. Serious birth injuries often include:

  • Oxygen deprivation injuries, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
  • Cerebral palsy related to birth trauma or lack of oxygen
  • Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy
  • Fractures or nerve damage from delivery complications
  • Brain bleeds or neonatal seizures
  • Injuries caused by improper forceps or vacuum use

These injuries may require years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with ongoing medical monitoring. A birth injury claim focuses on identifying what caused the injury and securing resources to support a child’s long-term well-being.

person sitting on couch with hands clasped

“Nathan and his team were so kind, caring, and quick to get my case settled. They exceeded our expectations and made sure everything was taken care of with no added stress to my family.”

—K.K.

city media

Why Choose Birth Injury Attorneys at The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Birth injury cases require trust, patience, and clear communication. We work with you, not just for you, ensuring families understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

Hospitals and insurers often fight birth injury cases aggressively. We prepare thoroughly, collaborate with respected medical experts, and build evidence that reflects the full scope of a child’s needs.

Credibility That Strengthens the Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide for bringing well-prepared, meritorious cases. That credibility matters when a child’s future is at stake and the defense attempts to minimize responsibility.

Birth Injuries Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect?

A birth injury occurs during pregnancy, labor, or delivery and is often linked to medical care. A birth defect typically develops before birth and may not be related to delivery.

What if my child’s symptoms appeared later?

Some birth injuries are not immediately apparent. Developmental delays may emerge months or years later, and early records may still support a claim. Timing matters, so early legal guidance is important.

How long do I have to file a birth injury claim in Ohio?

Ohio has strict deadlines and procedural requirements for malpractice cases. Speaking with a birth injury attorney early helps protect your rights and preserve evidence.

How do you prove a birth injury was caused by medical negligence?

Proof involves medical records, expert testimony, and evidence showing the provider failed to meet the standard of care and that the failure likely caused the injury.

Do birth injury claims include future medical care costs?

Yes. When supported by medical evidence, claims can include future therapy, equipment, home modifications, specialized education, and long-term care.

Attorney Media

Get Answers From Birth Injury Attorneys

If your child suffered an injury during birth and you are searching for clarity and support, we are here to help. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with childbirth injury lawyers in Cleveland and get straightforward guidance on whether malpractice may be involved and what the next steps could look like.

Talk With a Local Attorney Get a Free Case Review

If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

Call Us 24/7: (216) 425-0336
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit Information

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab) and Terms of Service (opens in a new tab) apply.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (216) 425-0336.
Contact Us