The birth of a child should be a joyful occasion. But when a preventable injury occurs during delivery, that joy can quickly turn to fear, grief, and overwhelming responsibility. For Tucson parents, understanding what to do next can feel impossible while caring for a newborn who requires specialized medical attention.
This guide will help you take the first steps after a birth injury, from obtaining medical records to filing a birth injury claim with the help of a knowledgeable birth trauma attorney.
Step 1: Get a Clear Medical Diagnosis
If your child displays signs of injury—such as lack of movement, seizures, or difficulty feeding—prompt diagnosis is essential. Conditions like:
- Erb’s Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Brain hemorrhage or swelling
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
…often stem from medical errors like prolonged labor, mismanaged C-sections, or failure to monitor fetal distress. Ask for referrals to pediatric neurologists or specialists who can confirm whether the injury was likely preventable.
Step 2: Request Your Medical Records
Tucson parents have the right to request:
- Labor and delivery records
- Fetal heart monitoring reports
- Anesthesia logs
- Nursing shift notes
These documents are essential in identifying what went wrong. A birth trauma attorney can formally request these records and work with independent medical experts to evaluate them.
Step 3: Consult a Birth Trauma Attorney
Once you have the medical facts, it’s time to speak with a birth trauma attorney. They can help you determine:
- Whether the medical team deviated from standard procedures
- Whether earlier interventions (like a timely C-section) could have prevented the injury
- What long-term care and financial support your child will need
Your attorney will handle communication with hospitals, insurance companies, and opposing counsel so you can focus on your child’s well-being.
Step 4: Understand the Legal Process
Filing a birth injury claim involves several steps:
- Case Evaluation: Your attorney reviews your situation and medical records.
- Expert Consultation: Independent doctors analyze the standard of care you received.
- Filing the Claim: A formal lawsuit is filed if negligence is established.
- Discovery and Settlement: The case may settle before trial, or proceed to court.
While every case is unique, an experienced legal team will ensure your voice is heard and that you receive fair compensation.
Step 5: Prepare for Long-Term Care
Children with preventable birth injuries may require:
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Assistive equipment
- In-home nursing care
- Special education services
- Ongoing medical treatment
A successful legal claim can help cover these expenses and ensure your child receives the best possible quality of life.
Step 6: Connect with Support Networks
You’re not alone. Tucson offers resources such as:
- Early Intervention Programs through Arizona DES
- Parent support groups for cerebral palsy or developmental delays
- Local nonprofits focused on disability advocacy
Combining legal support with community resources can help your family move forward with hope and strength.
Call to Action
If your child experienced a preventable birth injury in Tucson, don’t navigate this journey alone. A compassionate birth trauma attorney can help you file a claim and fight for the resources your child needs. Schedule a free consultation today to start your path toward healing and justice.
