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Birth Injuries

Attorneys Who Advocate for Victims of Birth Injury in the San Francisco Bay Area Legal Help in Oakland After the Trauma of Birth Injury

The joy of childbirth can quickly turn to pain when a doctor makes a mistake in the delivery room. Obstetric care is important throughout pregnancy. If a doctor fails to meet the standard of care at any point in the process, both the infant and the mother can suffer devastating consequences. At the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C., our attorneys support parents and newborns impacted by medical negligence.

For families struggling with the effects of a serious birth injury, we provide comprehensive legal representation at all stages of a claim. Our lawyers are passionate advocates for victims of medical malpractice, and we fight tirelessly to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Different Types of Birth Injuries

Injuries at birth are often caused by lack of oxygen or physical trauma. Consider the following common forms of birth injury:

  • Cerebral palsy — Though sometimes caused by abnormalities that develop in the brain prior to childbirth, cerebral palsy can also result from lack of oxygen during the birth process. The symptoms of cerebral palsy, including exaggerated reflexes and lack of muscle coordination, make the condition appear muscular, but it is neurological in nature. Cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but early intervention can improve functional capability.
  • Damage to the brain — Lack of oxygen to the brain due to delayed delivery, physical trauma or other factors can cause severe fetal injuries, permanent disability and even death.
  • Brachial plexus palsy — Damage during childbirth to the nerves that control movement of the hand, forearm, arm and shoulder is referred to as obstetric brachial plexus injury. Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy are caused by nerve damage in the shoulder, elbow and wrist.
  • Facial nerve palsy — Damage to the seventh cranial nerve during delivery may cause facial drooping. Facial paralysis may resolve on its own or require additional treatment or therapy. In some cases, the paralysis is permanent.

Birth injuries may result from inadequate medical care. Successfully negotiating or litigating a birth injury claim depends upon identifying medical professional’s decisions and practices during the process that contributed to the injury.

Our attorneys carefully examine the circumstances of your child’s injury, gather evidence from medical records and seek reliable analysis from experts when necessary. While decisions made by attending physicians may be the root cause of the injury, clinical management and procedures on the delivery floor or in the delivery room of a hospital may come into question. Depending on the factors, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the doctor, hospital or both.

Birth injuries are heartbreaking and often preventable. If you decide to take legal action against the negligent parties, guidance from an experienced attorney can be crucial to the outcome of your claim.

Learn More About Your Right to Compensation in a Birth Injury Claim

At the Law Offices of John E. Hill in Oakland, California, our lawyers focus on improving the lives of those injured as a result of others’ negligence. If you, your child or another loved one was a victim of medical malpractice, you have a right to seek coverage for the financial costs, emotional anguish and other damages you suffer as a result. Contact us online or call (510) 588-1000 today to schedule a free initial consultation. Hablamos español.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
“I live on the east coast. I needed a lawyer to represent me in a personal injury suit. Never having been involved in lawsuit before, I didn't know what to expect. I selected John Hill based upon my research of Bay area attorneys and was not disappointed. He and his staff were very easy to communicate with despite the distance and 3 hour time zone difference. They are knowledgeable and have a huge base of experience. Most of all, I was always treated with kindness and respect as we moved through the process. Needless to say, I am extremely satisfied with my settlement. Without reservation, I give my whole hearted recommendation to Mr. Hill and his staff.” Cathy Walls
★★★★★
“Intensely dedicated to getting the best results possible for me on several cases. John Hill tells you honestly and clearly the pluses and minuses of your case and makes sure you understand completely all options. He is completely professional and one of the most affable persons you will ever meet.” Dan Wilson
★★★★★
“They handled my case with no problem love how effective & efficient they were!” Aja Jordan
★★★★★
“I was represented by INNA BIMITS in a workers compensation case. She is the BEST!!! I couldn’t have had a better attorney than her. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a workers compensation case. Her Assistant’s were very nice, helpful, and returned my calls right away. It was a long process but they were with me through it all. They were very patient with me explaining every process and gave me great advice. Inna gave me the best results possible and I am very pleased with her representation. Hiring her was the best decision ever.” K.C.
★★★★★
“Exquisite advice with Worker’s Compensation Case! This law office, all support staff, and assistants are responsive and helpful. I especially appreciate the legal advice and clarifications I received from Joanne Helvig, Esq. She is an excellent lawyer, fights hard, is thorough, provides great attention to every detail, sorted through financial bills, and got me through a long legal battle. I appreciate this great lawyer. As an injured worker, I got what I needed.” M.R.