Birth Injury Claims in Washington State: When Is It Medical Malpractice?
The birth of a child should be a joyful occasion, but when something goes wrong, it can quickly turn devastating. Birth complications in Issaquah are not always preventable, but the risks increase when providers fail to follow accepted medical standards and or are otherwise negligent.
At Injury Law Group NW, our experienced Issaquah medical malpractice attorney helps families across King County get a sense of justice and the compensation their family needs to recover. Find out common causes of birth injuries and challenges in filing a Washington State medical malpractice claim.
Common Causes Of Birth Injuries In Issaquah
The National Institutes of Health states that birth injuries impact roughly one in every 500 parents. Ranging from relatively minor to severe, they include respiratory issues, brain trauma, physical disfigurement, and brachial plexus injuries, which cause damage to the nerves in your baby’s arm, shoulder, and hand.
Not all birth injuries in Issaquah happen due to medical malpractice. Under the Washington Revised Code, malpractice only occurs when a medical provider is negligent and fails to follow an accepted standard of care. Common examples of medical malpractice in Issaquah birth injury claims include:
- Failure to monitor irregular heart rate, oxygen loss, or other signs of fetal distress.
- Allowing prolonged labor that deprives the baby of oxygen.
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, resulting in skull fractures, nerve damage, or bleeding.
- Delayed C-section, leading to brain damage or physical trauma.
- Neglecting to identify umbilical cord problems that restrict blood and oxygen flow
These errors can result in lifelong disabilities for the child and emotional and financial hardship for the entire family. When they happen due to medical provider negligence, you may be entitled to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Washington State.
Challenges in Filing a King County Medical Malpractice Claim Due To Birth Injuries
Birth injury claims are among the most sensitive and legally complex medical malpractice claims. While you have the right to hold negligent medical providers accountable, proving the provider’s actions directly caused harm and fell below accepted standards of care is never easy. Challenges families often face include:
- Obtaining medical records that document the sequence of events.
- Finding medical experts to testify about the provider’s negligence.
- Overcoming hospital insurer denial and delays.
- Determining long-term impacts, including disability and future care costs.
A birth injury doesn’t just affect your child today. It can shape their health and development for a lifetime. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact Injury Law Group NW today.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Issaquah Medical Malpractice
Has your child suffered harm due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery? Injury Law Group NW is here to help. We provide compassionate, professional legal representation to families throughout King County who suffer the devastating impacts of birth trauma.
For caring, comprehensive client service and the trusted legal guidance you need during this difficult time, contact our office and request a consultation with our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney today.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539831/#:~:text=Over%20recent%20decades%2C%20birth%20trauma,Go%20to:
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.350
