Best Birth Injury Lawyers in New York

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TONALAW
Islip, United States

Founded in 2001
11 people in their team
English
TonaLaw is a New York personal injury and no-fault collections firm led by founder Thomas Tona. The firm concentrates on high-exposure personal injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability, while maintaining a parallel practice...
Stabit Advocates
New York City, United States

Founded in 2000
173 people in their team
English
Spanish
Stabit Advocates LLP (https://www.stabitadvocates.com) is one of the top law firms in the world and stands as a beacon of legal excellence, recognized as one of the top law firms in East Africa, Africa and Globally with over 75 practice areas. Our firm is synonymous with top-tier legal expertise,...
Barreto Law Firm LLC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2012
5 people in their team
English
Barreto Law Firm LLC specializes in personal injury matters across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, led by Elizabeth Barreto, founder and managing attorney. The firm handles a broad range of injury claims including transportation injury, premises liability, product injury, construction...
Law Offices of Jeffery A. Cojocar, P.C.
New York City, United States

English
The Law Offices of Jeffery A. Cojocar, P.C. is a Michigan-based firm delivering comprehensive litigation and advisory services across family law, business law, real estate, personal injury and criminal defense. With offices in Shelby Township and Troy, the firm serves clients throughout Macomb,...
The Bangiyev Law Firm PLLC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2021
English
The Bangiyev Law Firm PLLC is a New York based personal injury practice led by Anna Bangiyev, founder and senior attorney. Since its inception in 2021, the firm has built a reputation for pursuing justice for injury victims across a broad spectrum of accident claims. The firm handles car, truck,...
The Law Firm of Dmitriy Shakhnevich PLLC
New York City, United States

English
The Law Firm of Dmitriy Shakhnevich focuses on delivering personalized legal representation to individuals in key practice areas including criminal defense, personal injury, civil litigation, matrimonial and family law, and entertainment law. Founded by Dmitriy Shakhnevich, the firm emphasizes that...

Founded in 1998
23 people in their team
English
Perez Law, PC is a California-based firm that focuses on personal injury and employment related matters, serving clients across Southern California from its Pomona and Ontario offices. Founded in 1998 by Ricardo Antonio Perez in his garage in Rancho Cucamonga, the firm has grown through...
Rinehardt Injury Attorneys
Ontario, United States

Founded in 2001
4 people in their team
English
Rinehardt Injury Attorneys is a leading Ohio personal injury law firm with offices in Columbus and Mansfield that focuses on helping injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve. The firm handles a broad range of accident and injury matters, including car accidents, truck accidents,...
The Cassisi Law Firm PC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2002
7 people in their team
English
The Cassisi Law Firm PC Injury and Accident Attorneys is a Queens, New York based personal injury practice with more than three decades of experience representing injured clients across New York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The firm emphasizes a team oriented approach to handling complex...
Goebel Law, PLLC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2022
5 people in their team
English
Goebel Law, PLLC is a family-owned Florida law firm focused on personal injury, workers' compensation, estate planning, and probate administration. Led by founder William Goebel, the firm combines aggressive advocacy with compassionate client service, pursuing substantial compensation for accident...
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About Birth Injury Law in New York, United States

Birth injury law in New York focuses on the legal rights and remedies available to families and children who have suffered injuries before, during, or shortly after birth due to medical negligence or mistakes. Birth injuries can involve physical harm, neurological damage, or developmental disabilities resulting from complications during labor or delivery, improper use of birth tools, or failure to monitor the baby or mother correctly. In New York, families can pursue legal action against healthcare providers or hospitals if the injury was preventable and directly caused by deviation from accepted standards of medical care.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Birth injury cases can be complex, involving both legal and medical expertise. You may need a lawyer if you suspect your child’s injury resulted from medical malpractice or negligence before, during, or after delivery. Common situations where legal help is beneficial include:

  • When a child is diagnosed with conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or brain damage soon after birth
  • If medical professionals failed to act promptly during delivery complications
  • When improper use of forceps, vacuum extractors, or other delivery tools is suspected
  • If there were errors in fetal monitoring or delayed response to fetal distress
  • If the mother or child suffered infection or lack of oxygen due to negligence
  • If the hospital or staff failed to follow standard care protocols, resulting in harm

A lawyer experienced in birth injury claims can help you gather evidence, consult medical experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate in court to seek compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Local Laws Overview

New York birth injury law falls under the broader category of medical malpractice. Here are key aspects of New York law that directly impact birth injury cases:

  • Statute of Limitations: Generally, a lawsuit for birth injury must be filed within two and a half years from the date of the malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment for the same condition. However, if the injury involves a minor, there may be extensions, typically until the child's tenth birthday, but it is critical to consult a lawyer because timeframes can vary.
  • Certificate of Merit: New York law requires that, at the outset of filing a medical malpractice claim, the attorney must file a certificate of merit. This document certifies that a licensed physician has reviewed the case and believes it has valid grounds for malpractice.
  • Comparative Negligence: New York uses a pure comparative negligence system, meaning damages may be reduced if the plaintiff shares some responsibility, but recovery is still possible.
  • Damages: There is no cap on economic or non-economic damages in New York, allowing compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care requirements.
  • Medical Review and Expert Testimony: Birth injury cases almost always require credible medical expert testimony to establish the standard of care and how it was breached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a birth injury under New York law?

A birth injury is physical or neurological harm that occurs to a baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or immediately after birth, and that can be linked to medical negligence or error by healthcare providers.

How do I know if my child’s injury was caused by medical malpractice?

It can be difficult to determine without expert analysis. Generally, if the injury was unexpected and you suspect errors or lack of appropriate care during childbirth, consulting a birth injury lawyer can help you evaluate if malpractice occurred.

What types of compensation are available in a birth injury claim?

Compensation may include costs for current and future medical care, special education, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages.

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in New York?

Typically, the statute of limitations is two and a half years from the date of the injury or the end of continuous medical treatment for that condition. Lawsuits involving minors may have extensions, but you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

What evidence is needed for a birth injury lawsuit?

Evidence may include medical records, documentation of the child’s injury, expert medical testimony, and records of communication with healthcare providers.

Can I sue both the doctor and the hospital?

Yes. If both the individual healthcare provider and the hospital’s policies or actions contributed to the injury, you may be able to pursue claims against both.

Are all birth defects considered birth injuries?

No. Birth injuries are typically caused by trauma or medical errors during or around delivery, whereas birth defects are usually genetic or result from prenatal factors not related to medical negligence.

How long does a birth injury case take to resolve?

Each case differs, but birth injury cases often take months or years to resolve because they involve detailed investigations and medical expert opinions.

Will my case go to trial?

Many birth injury cases settle out of court, but some proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

What does it cost to hire a birth injury lawyer?

Most birth injury lawyers in New York offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win compensation.

Additional Resources

If you or your family is dealing with a possible birth injury, these organizations and governmental bodies can offer support and information:

  • New York State Department of Health
  • Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC)
  • New York State Bar Association
  • March of Dimes Birth Injury Resources
  • United Cerebral Palsy of New York
  • Legal Aid Society (for potential low or no cost legal assistance)

Next Steps

If you suspect a birth injury has occurred, act promptly:

  • Gather all relevant medical records and documentation relating to the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and your child’s health
  • Consult a qualified birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and options for legal action
  • Continue to seek necessary medical care and support services for your child
  • Contact state resources or support organizations for additional guidance and services

Birth injury law is complex, and acting quickly ensures your rights are protected and gives you the best chance of receiving appropriate compensation and support for your child's needs. Consulting with an attorney experienced in New York birth injury cases is strongly recommended.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in New York 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.

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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.