Florida Birth Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyers
When complications arise during delivery, the consequences can be life-altering, particularly when they result in spinal cord injuries for newborns. These injuries can lead to severe, long-term effects, including motor dysfunction, developmental delays, and neurological challenges that may impact a child’s entire life. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, our Florida spinal cord injuries lawyers are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of birth-related spinal cord injuries, advocating for justice and financial compensation when these injuries result from medical negligence or malpractice.
Understanding Birth-Related Spinal Cord Injuries
Birth-related spinal cord injuries are often caused by complications during delivery, including prolonged labor, breech birth, or improper use of medical tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors. While these procedures are sometimes necessary, medical professionals have a duty to exercise caution and adhere to the highest standards of care to prevent harm. Unfortunately, even slight deviations from these standards can lead to spinal trauma in newborns, causing irreversible damage to their developing nervous systems.
Common Causes of Infant Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth
Medical professionals are trained to minimize risks, but certain actions or oversights during delivery can increase the likelihood of spinal injuries in infants, including:
- Excessive force applied during delivery, often from improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction tools.
- Mismanagement of high-risk deliveries such as breech births or larger-than-average babies, where specialized techniques should be employed.
- Delayed or insufficient response to fetal distress during labor, leading to prolonged compression or injury to the spinal cord.
These factors can lead to various degrees of spinal cord damage, from mild injuries to more severe trauma that can impact an infant’s movement, sensation, and overall development.
Recognizing Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries in Newborns
Recognizing spinal cord injuries early is critical for prompt intervention. Some signs to look for include:
- Weak or limited movement in limbs, which may indicate nerve damage.
- Abnormal muscle tone, either too stiff or too floppy, suggesting neurological impairment.
- Delays in developmental milestones, such as head control or rolling over, which may point to underlying spinal trauma.
While not all symptoms are visible immediately, early diagnosis and treatment can help optimize an infant’s developmental potential and quality of life.
Is My Child’s Spinal Cord Injury Preventable?
While some birth complications are unavoidable, many injuries result from preventable errors during labor and delivery. Medical professionals are responsible for identifying potential risks and making informed decisions to ensure a safe delivery. However, when negligence or misjudgment results in spinal trauma, it’s essential for families to understand their rights and consider legal action to hold those responsible accountable.
Your Legal Rights: Pursuing Justice and Support
At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we are committed to representing families affected by birth-related spinal cord injuries. Navigating the aftermath of a birth injury can be overwhelming, especially as parents work to provide their child with the necessary medical care and therapies. When these injuries stem from medical malpractice, financial compensation can play a vital role in helping families afford specialized care, adaptive equipment, and long-term support.
Establishing Medical Negligence in Birth-Related Spinal Cord Injury Cases
To pursue a successful malpractice claim, it must be shown that:
- The healthcare provider had a duty to provide a standard level of care.
- This duty was breached through action or inaction during the delivery.
- This breach directly resulted in the spinal cord injury to the infant.
Our team of Florida spinal cord injuries lawyers at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa has extensive experience investigating and presenting these cases. We work closely with medical experts to review records, assess the circumstances, and determine if medical negligence contributed to the injury.
Compensation and Support for Affected Families
Financial compensation from a malpractice claim can help cover the costs associated with a birth injury, such as:
- Ongoing medical treatments, including surgeries, physical therapy, and specialized care.
- Assistive devices to improve mobility and quality of life for children with limited motor function.
- Future care costs, especially for those needing lifelong assistance.
- Loss of income and emotional distress compensation for families impacted by the injury.
Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?
At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial strain that a birth injury can impose on families. Our attorneys are deeply committed to each case, providing compassionate, personalized support while fighting vigorously to achieve justice. We bring years of expertise in medical malpractice and birth injury cases, with a successful track record in obtaining meaningful compensation for our clients.
Contact Rafferty Our Florida Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyers at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa for a Free Consultation
If you suspect your child’s spinal cord injury resulted from medical malpractice, we are here to help. Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa today to schedule a free consultation. Our team of Florida spinal cord Injuries lawyers will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and outline the next steps in seeking justice and support for your family.
Reach out to Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa – because every child deserves a safe and healthy start in life.
