Birth Injury Lawyer
When a birth injury occurs, it’s not just the physical damage to the baby that causes concern—it’s the ripple effect it has on the entire family. From mounting medical bills to the long-term care your child may need, a birth injury can alter the course of your family’s life. In these heartbreaking circumstances, a skilled and compassionate birth injury lawyer can be the advocate you need to secure justice and compensation. However, choosing the right lawyer is not always easy, especially when there are so many legal professionals to choose from in Seattle.
To help you navigate the process of selecting the best legal representation for your case, we’ve put together a guide that highlights the essential qualities of a birth injury lawyer and the key questions you should ask during consultations.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington, contact us onlineor call us at (206) 208-0318 to schedule a consultation to discuss the particulars of your case.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Birth Injury Lawyer
Experience and Specialization in Birth Injury Cases Birth injury cases are a specialized area of law, and medical malpractice claims of this nature require a lawyer with substantial experience in handling birth injuries specifically. Lawyers who focus on medical malpractice or birth injury claims are more likely to understand the complexities of these cases and how to navigate the intricate medical and legal issues involved.
Experience matters because birth injury cases often rely on highly specialized medical knowledge. It’s essential that your lawyer has dealt with the medical conditions commonly associated with birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury, Erb’s palsy, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Ask the lawyer how many birth injury cases they have handled and whether they have experience with cases similar to yours.
Medical Knowledge and Access to Medical Experts Birth injury cases typically involve a significant amount of medical evidence, which can be difficult to interpret without the proper expertise. A good birth injury lawyer will not only understand medical terminology but will also know how to assess medical records, consult with medical experts, and make sense of complex medical procedures that might have contributed to the injury.
Your lawyer should have a network of medical professionals who can act as expert witnesses. These professionals can help explain what went wrong during the birth process, whether medical negligence was involved, and how it impacted your child’s health. A strong working relationship with credible medical experts can make or break your case, so it’s important to ask potential lawyers about their connections to reputable doctors and specialists who can support your claim.
Compassion and Empathy The emotional toll of dealing with a birth injury is often overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with the health of your child, but you are also facing the possibility of long-term care, expensive medical treatments, and life-altering consequences. During such a challenging time, it’s vital that your lawyer shows compassion and empathy for your family’s situation.
The right lawyer will take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and be sensitive to the emotional burden of pursuing a legal case. They should be patient with you and respectful of your circumstances, demonstrating that they genuinely care about the well-being of both you and your child.
Proven Success in Similar Cases While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, a lawyer with a proven track record of success in birth injury cases can give you confidence that they have the skills and resources needed to win your case. Look for a lawyer who has secured settlements or verdicts in similar birth injury claims, especially if the injury involved complex medical issues or difficult-to-prove elements.
It’s also beneficial to inquire about the specific damages that were awarded in these cases. For example, some birth injury cases may involve compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care needs, which are often substantial. A lawyer with a history of securing large settlements for their clients can help you get the compensation your family needs for the long term.
Clear and Transparent Communication Communication is key when it comes to working with a lawyer. You should expect your lawyer to keep you informed at every step of the process, explaining your options and the potential outcomes of your case. They should be proactive in providing updates and responsive when you have questions.
A lawyer who is transparent about their strategy and what you can expect during the litigation process will help you feel more comfortable and confident. Trust is essential in any lawyer-client relationship, and clear, consistent communication will help establish that trust.
Attention to Detail Birth injury claims often involve reviewing a vast amount of medical records, hospital documents, and other complex materials. A detail-oriented lawyer will thoroughly review these records to spot any inconsistencies or errors that could support your claim of negligence.
Birth injury cases are often decided based on the fine details of what happened during delivery and whether any breaches in medical protocols occurred. An attorney who is diligent in reviewing every aspect of your case will be better equipped to build a strong case that addresses every possible angle.
No Upfront Legal Fees – Contingency Fee Basis Medical malpractice and birth injury cases can be financially burdensome due to the ongoing medical expenses and care required for your child. Many families cannot afford the high upfront costs that some lawyers charge. Fortunately, many birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they win your case.
This fee structure can give you peace of mind knowing that your lawyer is fully invested in the success of your case. It also ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about paying legal fees during this financially stressful time.
Important Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
When meeting with a potential birth injury lawyer, be sure to ask the following questions to help determine whether they are the right fit for your case:
What is your experience with birth injury cases, and how many have you handled? It’s important to ask about their experience specifically with birth injury or medical malpractice claims. A lawyer with relevant experience will have a deeper understanding of how to prove medical negligence and navigate the intricacies of these cases.
Do you have access to medical experts who can support my case? Ask the lawyer about their network of medical professionals and expert witnesses who can help validate your claim. This is crucial for presenting a strong case, as medical experts can provide testimony that supports your allegations of medical negligence.
What is your approach to communication during the case? Make sure to clarify how often you can expect updates and how responsive the lawyer will be to your questions. Clear communication is essential throughout the process.
Can you provide examples of cases you have won, and what was the outcome? Ask for case studies or examples of similar birth injury claims the lawyer has handled. This can give you an idea of their track record and whether they have experience with cases like yours.
What are the potential costs involved in pursuing a birth injury lawsuit? It’s important to understand the financial commitment involved, even if the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis. Make sure there are no hidden fees or unexpected costs during the process.
Schroeter Goldmark & Bender: Trusted Seattle Birth Injury Lawyers
If you are seeking a dedicated and compassionate legal team to handle your birth injury case, look no further than Schroeter Goldmark & Bender. Our firm has decades of experience successfully representing families in complex birth injury cases, and we understand the emotional and financial strain these injuries can cause. With a proven track record, access to top medical experts, and a commitment to client-centered communication, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
If you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, contact Schroeter Goldmark & Bender today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington, contact us onlineor call us at (206) 208-0318 to schedule a consultation to discuss the particulars of your case.