Best Birth Injury Lawyers in Nashua

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Buckley Law Offices, P.C.
Nashua, United States

Founded in 2019
English
Buckley Law Offices P.C. is a New Hampshire and Massachusetts based personal injury practice that concentrates on accident and injury litigation. The firm, led by Attorney David Buckley, represents clients in auto, motorcycle, truck and bus crashes, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, premises...
AS SEEN ON

1. About Birth Injury Law in Nashua, United States

Birth injury law covers civil claims arising from injuries that occur during labor, delivery, or the immediate postnatal period due to medical care or mismanagement. In Nashua, New Hampshire, these cases are typically pursued as medical malpractice actions against hospitals, obstetricians, midwives, and other care providers. The goal is to obtain compensation for the baby’s medical expenses, future care needs, and the family’s non economic losses.

Most birth injury claims involve alleged delays in diagnosis or treatment, failures to monitor fetal distress, or errors during delivery such as improper use of forceps or failure to perform timely cesarean sections. These cases require careful review of medical records, witness testimony from experts, and a clear link between the provider's conduct and the injury. Local courts in Nashua apply New Hampshire statutes and procedural rules to determine liability and damages.

Understanding the process can help families in Nashua prepare for possible steps ahead. A local birth injury attorney can help assess whether the medical care gave rise to liability, explain the types of damages that may be recoverable, and guide you through pre litigation requirements and court procedures. Reliable, local legal counsel is important because Nashua cases can hinge on state specific rules and timing.

Birth injuries such as cerebral palsy or hypoxic brain injury affect roughly 2 per 1,000 live births nationwide, underscoring the importance of precise medical and legal review in each case.
Source: CDC - Cerebral Palsy overview (cdc.gov).

For New Hampshire residents, the process is governed by state statutes and court rules. You can access core information about the state's medical malpractice framework through official government sites, which explain how claims are filed, the statute of limitations, and where to seek formal guidance. Always verify current rules with local counsel as statutes may be updated in legislative sessions.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Delayed cesarean section during labor in a Nashua hospital leading to oxygen deprivation for the newborn and subsequent brain injury.
  • Failure to monitor fetal heart rate and respond to distress resulting in hypoxic injury or seizures in the newborn at a Nashua birthing facility.
  • Incorrect management of labor complications such as shoulder dystocia causing nerve injuries or brachial plexus damage to the baby, requiring ongoing medical care.
  • Postnatal sepsis or meningitis tied to intrapartum infection where timely treatment could have reduced harm to the infant.
  • Inadequate informed consent or failure to communicate risks before procedures that affect the baby, such as anesthesia or instrument delivery during birth.
  • Misdiagnosis of neonatal conditions after birth leading to delayed treatment and worsened outcomes, including cerebral palsy or developmental delays.

3. Local Laws Overview

Birth injury cases in Nashua fall under New Hampshire state law and relevant federal regulations that affect hospital care. The core state statute most frequently cited in these actions is RSA 507-D, which governs medical malpractice actions in New Hampshire. This statute and related provisions outline general timing, procedural requirements, and the standards for pursuing a claim at the state level.

In addition to state law, federal requirements can influence hospital practice in birth-related events. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1395dd, obligates hospitals with emergency departments to provide stabilizing treatment for obstetric emergencies and to avoid patient dumping. This federal protection can be relevant when a mother or newborn is transferred or stabilized in a Nashua hospital and may form part of a practitioner’s liability analysis.

Hospitals that participate in Medicare also operate under federal regulations governing hospital Conditions of Participation, such as 42 CFR Part 482. These standards address neonatal resuscitation, patient safety, and quality of obstetric care. Violations or systemic issues flagged under these regulations can be relevant to liability considerations in birth injury actions. Always consult with a Nashua attorney who can connect these federal requirements to a specific claim.

Key statutes and regulatory references to review with local counsel include:

  • RSA 507-D - Medical Malpractice Actions - New Hampshire statute governing medical malpractice claims and related procedures. Read more about the statute on the New Hampshire General Court website.
  • Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) - 42 U.S.C. § 1395dd, a federal statute requiring stabilization and treatment in emergency obstetric situations. CMS EMTALA overview.
  • Hospital Conditions of Participation (42 CFR Part 482) - Federal regulations governing hospital standards, including neonatal care. eCFR Part 482.
Source: New Hampshire Courts and public resources outline how medical malpractice cases proceed under RSA 507-D and how federal requirements can intersect with state claims. Official information is available at courts.state.nh.us and gencourt.state.nh.us.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is birth injury law in Nashua, and who can be sued?

Birth injury law in Nashua involves civil claims against healthcare providers for harm to a baby during birth. Potential defendants include obstetricians, midwives, hospitals, and other care teams involved in delivery. A local attorney can help identify all liable parties based on the medical records and care provided.

How do I know if my baby has a birth injury in Nashua?

Proof typically includes medical records showing abnormal condition at birth, imaging or tests confirming injury, and expert opinions linking the injury to provider conduct. An attorney can guide you through a medical review to determine causation and levell of fault.

How do I start a birth injury claim in New Hampshire?

Begin with a consultation from a Nashua birth injury lawyer to review the facts and determine whether a statute of limitations applies. If you proceed, your attorney will help gather records, identify experts, and prepare a complaint for filing in the appropriate court.

What are typical costs to hire a birth injury attorney in Nashua?

Many birth injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if you recover damages. Ask about fees, costs, and what expenses may come from expert witnesses if the case proceeds.

Do I need to file within a deadline to preserve my claim?

Yes. New Hampshire medical malpractice claims operate under statutory deadlines and discovery rules. Missing deadlines can bar a claim, so timely review with local counsel is essential. Your attorney will map deadlines to your case timeline.

Is there a difference between a birth injury claim and a general medical malpractice lawsuit?

Birth injury claims are a subset focusing on injuries arising during labor and delivery. The legal standards for negligence and causation are similar, but the medical record interpretation often centers on obstetric care. Your attorney will tailor the strategy to birth related issues.

What is the role of expert witnesses in a Nashua birth injury case?

Experts in obstetrics, neonatal care, and pediatric neurology usually testify about standard care and whether it was breached. Their opinions are crucial to proving negligence and causation to a judge or jury.

Can I sue more than one provider or facility?

Yes. If several parties contributed to the injury, a claim may name multiple defendants, including hospitals and individual clinicians. Your attorney coordinates against all liable parties to maximize compensation potential.

What is the typical timeline from filing to resolution?

Birth injury cases are complex and often take 1-3 years or longer, depending on discovery and court schedules. Early settlements are possible, but many cases proceed to trial for a formal adjudication of liability and damages.

Do I need a Nashua attorney, or can I hire someone from outside the area?

Hiring a local Nashua attorney is advantageous due to familiarity with local courts and hospital practices. A local attorney can coordinate with local experts and navigate Nashua court procedures efficiently.

What should I do if I suspect a birth injury in Nashua?

Obtain all medical records promptly and seek a confidential consultation with a birth injury attorney. Do not delay, as timelines for medical malpractice claims can be strict and are jurisdiction specific.

5. Additional Resources

  • New Hampshire Courts - Official site for court rules, civil actions, and procedural guidance in New Hampshire. courts.state.nh.us
  • New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services - State health guidance and infant health resources that can inform families about birth outcomes. nh.gov/dhhs
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Birth injuries and cerebral palsy information - National statistics and educational resources on birth injuries and developmental disorders. cdc.gov

6. Next Steps

  1. Collect early information Gather birth records, obstetric notes, and hospital discharge summaries as soon as possible. This baseline helps a lawyer assess liability and causation.
  2. Schedule a consultation with a Nashua birth injury attorney Contact a local lawyer who focuses on birth injuries to obtain a free evaluation of your case and explore options.
  3. Review statute of limitations and pre suit requirements Have the attorney confirm deadlines and any notice or affidavit requirements under New Hampshire law.
  4. Engage in a factual and medical review Your lawyer will request medical records and retain appropriate medical experts to determine if negligence occurred and whether it caused the injury.
  5. Decide on a legal strategy Based on evidence and expert opinions, decide whether to pursue settlement negotiations or proceed to litigation in Nashua courts.
  6. Prepare for potential settlement or trial If settlement efforts fail, your attorney will guide you through filing a complaint, discovery, and trial preparation with realistic timelines.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Nashua through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Birth Injury, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Nashua, United States — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.