What Is Birth Injury Lawsuit Statute of Limitations in New York?

Are you aware of the birth injury lawsuit statute of limitations in New York? It’s an important legal concept that affects the rights of parents and their newborns in cases of birth injuries caused by medical malpractice. The statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a claim, and it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations required in your specific case.

Furthermore, waiting too long to file a case can also result in losing your legal rights and the compensation you and your child deserve. So, seeking legal advice and filing a lawsuit as soon as possible is essential if you suspect your child’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice.

In this blog, we’ll explore the birth injury lawsuit statute of limitations in New York and provide the information you need to protect your legal rights.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims In New York (Minor Plaintiffs)

It’s worth noting that acting quickly and registering your claim as soon as possible is essential. Medical malpractice claims can be complex and require extensive documentation and expert witness statement. So, working with a qualified birth injury lawyer with experience in such cases is essential.

This way, your attorney can assist you in gathering evidence and building a solid case. In addition, he/she enables you to negotiate a fair settlement with the medical provider or insurance company. Recognizing the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims involving minor plaintiffs in New York can assist you well. These include making informed and well-made decisions about your legal options and protecting your child’s rights.

Suppose you are looking ahead to filing a medical malpractice claim for a minor in New York. Then, you must know the following statute of limitations for it.

• Remember that in New York, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims that minor plaintiffs are generally ten years from the date of the supposed malpractice or until the child’s 18th birthday.

• You have up to 10 years to file a claim for your child or until your child turns 18, whichever is later.

• There are some exceptions to this rule. If the malpractice causes an object to be left in the child’s body. Then, the statute of limitations is one year from discovering the thing.

New York Medical Malpractice Claim Caps

Suppose you’re considering filing a medical malpractice claim in New York. Then, working with an experienced birth injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of New York’s claim caps.

Therefore, here are some crucial points to remember about the state’s claim caps which can maximize your potential compensation.

1. Cap on non-economic loss: New York has a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. It includes compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and other non-physical damages.
2. Stats of medical malpractice cases: As of 2021, the cap is $1.385 million for most medical malpractice cases. And $1.15 million for cases involving unlawful death or certain types of injuries.
3. Adjustment of cap: The cap is adjusted annually based on inflation, so it may change yearly.
4. No cap on economic loss: There is no cap on economic loss, which cover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses.
5. Cap on grave injury: In some cases, the cap increases if the court determines that the plaintiff has suffered a “grave injury.” It is defined as a permanent and severe loss of body function, abnormality, or death.

How Doctors and Their Insurers Try to Get Birth Injury Claims Dismissed

If you file a birth injury claim, you may face a problem in the following ways:

• First, you must be aware that negligent physician and their insurers may try to get your case dismissed.

• Doctors and their insurers may try to argue that the injury was not their fault. Or that it was an unavoidable complication of childbirth and rejected the death claims.

• They may also argue that the injury causes were beyond their control, such as the mother’s health or genetics.

To defend against these arguments and establish that malpractice occurred, make sure to do the following:

• It’s vital to have solid legal proof. So it can provide evidence and build a persuasive case for your claim.

• Allow your lawyer to work with medical experts to analyze the facts of your case. In this way, he can provide a strong statement supporting your claim.

• Permit your lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement with the doctor’s insurers and legal team. This way, he/she will represent you in court professionally.

Considering these factors, you can overcome the challenges of defending your child’s birth injury claim. Moreover, it will help increase your chances of receiving the compensation your child deserves and handle wrongful death claims if it happens.

Six Major Possible Causes of Birth Injuries

If you’re concerned about your child’s birth injury, it’s essential to understand the possible causes. So, here are some vital points to remember:

• Difficult labor or delivery: It can be the primary cause of birth injuries because of oxygen deprivation, skull fractures, or nerve damage.

• Medical errors: Improper forceps or vacuum extraction can cause birth injuries

• Infections: Infections during pregnancy or delivery can cause birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy.

• Genetics: Sometimes, the causes of birth injuries are genetic or congenital. If these are not correctly diagnosed or treated.

• Medical negligence: Medical malpractice can also contribute to birth injuries. For example, these involve failing to detect the baby’s heart rate or delaying a necessary C-section.

So, don’t hold back if you suspect any of these factors caused your child’s birth injury. Understanding the possible causes of your child’s birth injury is vital. It’s crucial to have a thorough medical evaluation and consult a qualified attorney.

Ultimately, they can assist you in making informed decisions about your legal options. And make you seek the compensation you deserve and claim medical treatment.

What are Birth Injuries Due to Negligence?

If you suspect your child has experienced a birth injury, seeking medical attention is essential. So, here are some significant signs to consider when you see birth injuries due to negligence:

• Difficulty feeding or swallowing

• Weakness or lack of movement in the arms or legs

• Seizures or tremors

• Excessive crying or irritability

• Developmental delays such as lack of speech

• Abnormal head shape or size

• Breathing problems or blue tint to the skin

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Low muscle tone or floppy limbs

• Inability to control bladder or bowel movements

If you observe any severe signs or symptoms in your child, you must talk to your doctor immediately. Because an early diagnosis can help ensure your child receives the appropriate medical care and treatment.

Reasons Your Child Is Not Meeting Milestones

If your child is not meeting developmental milestones, it can be concerning. So, here are five possible reasons why:

• Genetic factors or medical conditions, such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.

• Premature birth or low birth weight can lead to developmental delays.

• Exposure to dangerous toxins or infections during pregnancy or infancy can affect development.

• Nutritional deficiencies or feeding difficulties can impact growth and development.

• A lack of ability to learn and practice new skills can slow development.

Considering these reasons talking to your doctor is essential if you’re concerned about your child’s development. This way, they can assist you in recognizing any issues and guide you in caring for your child’s growth and development.

Nerve Injury Resulting in Erb’s Palsy or Other Nerve Conditions

If your child has suffered a nerve injury during birth, it can result in conditions such as Erb’s or cerebral palsy. Nerve injuries during birth can occur due to excessive pulling or stretching of the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders.

Another condition is Erb’s palsy, which adversely affects the nerves because it controls movement in the arm and hand. Subsequently, it can cause weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation.

Other nerve conditions resulting from birth injuries include Klumpke’s palsy, facial nerve palsy, or phrenic nerve injury. Symptoms of nerve injuries in infants are various. These may include a lack of movement or sensation in the affected area, weakness, or limpness.

Treatment for a child’s nerve injuries may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgery. However, it also depends on the severe condition of the damage.

It is tragic when your child faces a nerve injury because of medical negligence or malpractice during birth delivery. It’s essential to seek medical attention and legal advice for a child’s injuries. This way, you can help your child recover and secure the compensation you deserve with proper treatment and legal support.

How Can an NYC Attorney Help You In Birth Injury Lawsuit?

You must be thinking about filing a birth injury lawsuit in New York. So, working with an experienced birth injury lawyer can be highly beneficial. Therefore, here are some ways an NYC birth injury attorney can help you:

• Provide legal guidance: He provides support throughout the procedure. It includes filing your claim negotiating a settlement, or taking your case to trial.

• Conduct a complete investigation: He can ensure an investigation of your case, collect evidence, and consult medical experts to build a strong case.

• Advocate with insurance companies: He can deal with insurance companies, hospitals, and other parties involved in your case to ensure you receive fair compensation.

• Assist you in identifying your legal rights: He answers any relevant questions about the process.

• Negotiate a settlement: He arranges a settlement that meets your needs and goals or represents you in court.

• Provide compassionate support: He can give guidance throughout a difficult and emotional time.

With the help of an experienced NYC birth injury attorney, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to secure the compensation your child deserves.

Legal Help in Filing Your Birth Injury Statute of Limitations In New York

If you’re considering filing a New York birth injury lawsuit, seeking legal help from birth injury lawyers is essential as it will ensure the best possible outcome.

The Birth Injury Statute of Limitations in New York sets a strict deadline for filing a legal birth injury claim. It also holds the medical professionals guilty who are responsible for your child’s birth injury.

Missing the deadline could result in losing the right to sue. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. Furthermore, your lawyer can gather evidence and build a solid case to support your compensation claim.

He/she can also help you understand the legal terms and requirements for filing a birth injury lawsuit in New York. It includes other damages, such as:

• Economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages)

• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress).

With expert legal help, you can maximize your chances of winning fair compensation for your child’s birth injury. Thus, it will ease the financial and emotional burden on you and your family. Don’t hesitate to contact a trusted law firm to work on your behalf on your birth injury case.

The Impact of the Comparative Negligence Rule on Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you’re seeking a birth injury case, it’s crucial to understand how the comparative negligence rule may impact your case. So, here are some essential points to consider.

• The comparative negligence rule allows for assigning fault between multiple parties. In New York, if the plaintiff is partially at fault for the injury, they may face lesser compensation.

• The comparative negligence rule may come into play for birth injury cases if the mother fails to follow medical advice. However, it also happens when engaging in healthy behaviors during pregnancy.

• The rule is also applied if the medical professionals involved in the birth can prove that pre-existing conditions caused the injury. Or they face other factors outside their control.

Therefore, it’s vital to work with an experienced birth injury attorney. As a result, he can help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Potential Defendants in a Birth Injury Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

In a birth injury lawsuit, multiple parties face guilty for the harm caused to the child. So, these potential defendants could include:

• Obstetricians or other medical professionals who are involved in the delivery.
• Hospitals or medical facilities where the birth took place.
• Pharmaceutical companies whose drugs or medical devices were used during the birth.
• Manufacturers of medical equipment used during the birth.
• Other parties, such as nurses or medical assistants.

Common Types of Evidence in Birth Injury Lawsuits

If you’re pursuing a birth injury lawsuit, it’s essential to understand the types of evidence that can help support your case. So, here are some common types of evidence used in birth injury lawsuits:

• Medical records: These records include prenatal and postnatal records, labor and delivery notes, and other relevant medical documentation.

• Experienced witness testimony: Expert lawyer statements can provide insight into whether the injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence.

• Testimony from close ones:  Testimony from family, members, friends, or other witnesses who observed the injury can provide information about the child’s condition before and after the injury occurred.

• Physical evidence: Physical clues include photographs or videos of the child, medical equipment used during the birth, or other relevant items.

• Any other documentation or information:  These valuable documents can help establish the cause of the injury and the defendant’s liability.

The Legal Process for Birth Injury or Personal Injury Lawsuits

Here is a breakdown of the legal process for birth injury lawsuits. These can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case:

1. Consultation with an Attorney 

The first step in starting a birth injury lawsuit is to consult an experienced attorney. So he can help navigate your case and present whether you have a valid claim.

2. Investigation and Discovery

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth injury, including gathering medical records and other evidence.

Moreover, both parties will engage in the discovery procedure by exchanging evidence and information about the case.

3. Pre-Trial Proceedings

Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be pre-trial proceedings. It includes mediation or arbitration to settle the case before going to trial.

4. Trial

The case will go to trial if a final settlement cannot happen. Then, the judge or jury will determine liability and damages.

5. Appeal

Either side may appeal the decision if they believe errors were made during the trial. Going through a birth injury lawsuit can be complex and emotionally challenging.

But having a skilled and experienced attorney on your side can help guarantee that your rights are protected. It also ensures you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.

How Can Uptown Injury Law Help You?

The statute of limitations regarding birth injury lawsuits is strict in New York. Therefore, it sets the time limit to file a legal claim for compensation against the medical professionals responsible for your child’s birth injury due to medical malpractice.

You could lose the right to sue if you miss the deadline. As a result, you will have fewer chances of receiving compensation for your child’s injury. So, acting fast and seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is crucial.

At Uptown Injury Law, we understand the emotional and financial burden birth injuries can have on families. Thus, we have years of experience protecting clients in birth injury cases. We provide free consultancy and work on contingency fees. Thus, confidently help you navigate the legal process.

So, contact us at 855-233-8728 to book a consultation, and our team of birth injury lawyers will start working on your case. We’re here to help you achieve the compensation you and your child deserve. We will make sure to arrange the continuous treatment your child deserves.