When a birth injury happens, parents are often left with heartbreak, confusion, and more questions than answers. Was it just a complication—or did something go wrong in the delivery room? If you’re in Tucson and your newborn suffered an injury like cerebral palsy, brachial plexus damage, or another form of trauma, you deserve clear, honest information. More importantly, you have legal rights that can help you get those answers—and hold negligent medical providers accountable.
An experienced birth injury attorney can guide you through this difficult time, helping you uncover the truth and take legal action if necessary.
Common Types of Preventable Birth Injuries
While not every birth injury is the result of medical negligence, many are preventable with proper monitoring and timely decisions during labor and delivery. Some of the most common birth injuries seen in Tucson hospitals include:
- Cerebral Palsy – Often caused by oxygen deprivation during labor
- Erb’s Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injuries – Usually from excessive force or poor handling during delivery
- Skull fractures or brain bleeds – Due to misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Shoulder dystocia complications – When handled improperly, this can lead to nerve damage or worse
A qualified birth trauma attorney can help determine whether your child’s condition resulted from medical errors or unavoidable complications.
Step 1: Requesting Medical Records
Your first right as a parent is access to your child’s and your own medical records. These documents can reveal critical details:
- Fetal monitoring strips
- Doctor’s and nurse’s notes
- Time logs of labor progression
- Records of any interventions (C-section, medications, vacuum use)
In Arizona, medical facilities are required to provide copies of these records upon request. If you’re unsure how to obtain them—or if the hospital delays or denies access—a birth injury attorney can help enforce your rights and ensure nothing is withheld.
Step 2: Seeking a Second Medical Opinion
After a birth injury, it’s natural to turn to your child’s pediatrician or neurologist for guidance. But if you’re not receiving clear answers—or you suspect something more could be wrong—it’s wise to seek a second opinion. Specialists in pediatric neurology or developmental medicine can offer deeper insight into:
- The timing and cause of the injury
- Whether it’s consistent with known complications or potential malpractice
- The likely prognosis and need for long-term care
This second opinion not only helps clarify the medical picture—it can also support a potential legal claim if negligence is suspected.
Step 3: Understanding the Legal Process
Once you’ve gathered medical records and obtained a second opinion, your next step should be a consultation with a cerebral palsy lawyer or birth trauma attorney in Tucson. They can review your case and help determine whether a medical provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care.
Your attorney will:
- Analyze timelines and procedures used during labor and delivery
- Consult with medical experts to interpret complex records
- Identify failures to act, such as delayed C-section or ignored fetal distress
- Estimate long-term financial needs, including therapy, equipment, and educational support
If a provider’s negligence is confirmed, a claim can be filed to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Compensation Can Help Your Family Move Forward
While no amount of money can undo a birth injury, compensation can ease the burden of lifelong care. Your family may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
- Assistive devices or home modifications
- Special education costs
- Loss of earning capacity (for the child)
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
A skilled birth injury lawyer will fight to ensure your settlement or verdict reflects the true cost of the harm done.
Why Legal Support Matters
Birth injury cases are medically and legally complex. Hospitals and insurance companies often try to avoid admitting fault or offering fair compensation. Having a seasoned legal advocate levels the playing field. They’ll ensure your child’s voice is heard, and that no one brushes your concerns aside.
Call to Action
If your child suffered a birth injury in Tucson and you’re left with unanswered questions, don’t face this alone. Contact a trusted birth injury attorney who can help you uncover the truth and pursue justice for your family. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward clarity and accountability.
