When a Delivery Becomes a Life-Altering Event

Pregnancy and childbirth come with enough emotion and stress on their own. When a preventable medical mistake causes harm during labor or delivery, families may be thrust into a world of NICU stays, complex diagnoses, and overwhelming decisions. Parents often carry guilt, anger, and grief while trying to focus on what their child will need to thrive.

Birth injury cases are not only about what happened in the delivery room. They are about long-term planning. Many families must prepare for years of therapy, ongoing medical care, assistive technology, and specialized education services. 

A birth injury lawyer in Columbus can help investigate what went wrong and build a strategy that protects your child’s future stability and quality of life. You should not have to spend months battling insurance companies while caring for your family. Hiring a lawyer allows you to step back from the stress and focus on what’s truly important.

What Is a Birth Injury Claim?

A birth injury claim is a 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 delivery, misuse forceps or vacuum extraction, or fail to manage complications appropriately.

These cases require expert review because the central question is whether the care met accepted medical standards and whether different actions would likely have prevented the injury. In Ohio, medical malpractice claims are governed by specific legal standards and deadlines outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Understanding those requirements early is often critical to preserving a family’s right to pursue accountability.

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The Benefits of Working With a Birth Injury Attorney

  • A Thorough Review of Pregnancy and Delivery Records - Birth injury cases depend on detailed medical evidence, including fetal monitoring strips, delivery notes, Apgar scores, and NICU records. Legal counsel helps uncover what happened and what should have occurred.
  • A Claim Built Around Lifelong Needs - Many birth injuries involve permanent conditions requiring long-term therapy, medical care, and support. A strong claim accounts for future treatment, adaptive equipment, and long-term financial planning.
  • Guidance Through an Emotional Process - Families are often coping with trauma, fear, and exhaustion. A birth injury attorney provides clarity, protects deadlines, and offers a structured path forward without adding unnecessary pressure.
  • Trial-Ready Preparation When the Stakes Are High - Hospitals and insurers often defend birth injury cases aggressively. A trial-ready approach helps position the case for fair resolution and protects your child’s long-term interests.

Does My Situation Require a Birth Injury Lawyer?

You may need legal guidance if your child suffered an unexpected injury during delivery, required intensive medical care, or was diagnosed with a condition linked to labor or delivery complications.

Some birth injuries are not immediately apparent and may only become clear months or years later as developmental delays emerge. Families often monitor milestones closely, and resources such as the CDC Developmental Milestones guide can help identify potential concerns. You should also consider speaking with a birth injury lawyer in Columbus if there were signs of fetal distress, delayed decision-making, emergency intervention, shoulder dystocia, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to perform a timely C-section. A confidential consultation can help clarify whether malpractice may be involved.

The Birth Injury Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Listening and Record Collection

We begin by listening to your story and learning what your child is facing today. We then gather records from pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-birth treatment, including NICU and pediatric care.

Step Two: Expert Review and Case Evaluation

Birth injury claims typically require review by qualified medical experts. This step helps determine whether the standard of care was met and whether different actions could have prevented harm.

Step Three: Building the Claim Around Long-Term Needs

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

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

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

We are prepared to take a case to trial if necessary, but many cases resolve through settlement after filing. Litigation is sometimes the strategy that forces the other side to take the claim seriously.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can affect physical development, neurological function, and long-term independence. Common injuries 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 injuries from delivery complications
  • Brain bleeds or neonatal seizures
  • Injuries caused by forceps or vacuum misuse

These injuries may require years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with ongoing medical monitoring. A birth injury claim focuses on what caused the injury and what your child will need to live with dignity and support.

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“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.

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Why Choose 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 your family stays informed and supported throughout the process.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

Hospitals and insurers often fight these cases aggressively. We prepare thoroughly, work with respected experts, and build evidence that reflects the full medical and life-care reality.

Credibility That Strengthens the Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious cases. That credibility matters when your child’s future is on the line.

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 usually develops before birth and may not be related to delivery complications.

What if my child’s symptoms did not appear right away?

Some birth injuries are not fully recognized until developmental delays appear. Early legal guidance can help preserve records and protect your options.

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

Time limits can be strict and complex. Speaking with a birth injury attorney as early as possible helps protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.

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

Proof typically comes from medical records, expert review, and evidence showing a failure to meet the standard of care that likely caused the injury.

Do birth injury claims include future medical costs?

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

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Get Answers About a Birth Injury in Columbus

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

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

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