When medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery harms your child, Overbird Law fights for the lifetime of care they deserve.
Georgia Birth Injury Attorney
Birth injuries caused by medical malpractice are among the most devastating cases our firm handles. When obstetricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, or hospital staff fail to meet the standard of care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can include permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, and death. Under Georgia's medical malpractice statute, O.C.G.A. Section 9-11-9.1, birth injury claims require an expert affidavit from a qualified medical professional attesting that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common and devastating birth injuries, often caused by oxygen deprivation (hypoxia or asphyxia) during labor. When medical providers fail to monitor fetal heart rate strips, delay emergency C-sections, misuse vacuum extractors or forceps, or fail to identify and treat umbilical cord complications, the resulting brain damage can leave a child permanently disabled. The lifetime cost of care for a child with cerebral palsy averages $1.1 million, and severe cases require 24/7 attendant care, specialized equipment, and ongoing therapy.
Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries occur when excessive lateral traction is applied to an infant's head during delivery, damaging the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand. These injuries frequently result from failure to perform a timely C-section in cases of shoulder dystocia or macrosomia (large birth weight). While some brachial plexus injuries resolve with therapy, severe cases result in permanent arm paralysis. Attorney Jonathan Overman works with pediatric neurologists and obstetric experts to establish that proper medical intervention would have prevented the injury.
Georgia's statute of limitations for birth injury claims is complex. Under O.C.G.A. Section 9-3-73, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years, but for injuries to minors, the statute is tolled until the child's fifth birthday, with an absolute statute of repose at age ten. However, early investigation is critical to preserve medical records, fetal monitoring strips, and witness testimony. Contact Overbird Law at (678) 251-8575 for a free, confidential evaluation of your birth injury claim.
If your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, call (678) 251-8575 for a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Birth Injuries
Oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery can cause permanent brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. Failure to monitor fetal distress and delays in performing emergency C-sections are common causes.
Excessive force during delivery can tear the brachial plexus nerves, causing partial or complete paralysis of the infant's arm and hand. Shoulder dystocia mismanagement is a frequent cause.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when an infant's brain is deprived of oxygen, causing seizures, developmental delays, and permanent neurological damage requiring lifetime care.
Anesthesia errors during C-sections, Pitocin-induced hyperstimulation, and failure to treat maternal hemorrhaging can cause catastrophic harm to both mother and child.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
