Birth Injury Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

Birth injuries occur when an infant is harmed during the birthing process, often due to medical negligence. These injuries can range from minor bruises to severe and life-altering conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage.  

The consequences of birth injuries can be devastating, affecting the child's quality of life and placing financial and emotional strains on the family. 

At Slechter Law Firm, Attorneys Mat A. Slechter and Meredith Kirklin Slechter are dedicated to advocating for the rights and futures of families affected by birth injuries.  

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this husband-and-wife legal team provides personalized, hands-on attention to clients throughout the state. They are committed to ensuring that every case receives the dignity and respect it deserves.

Understanding the Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries don't only cause physical harm to the infant, but emotional strain for the parents. Therefore, it's important to understand the cause of the birth injury if you plan to pursue legal action. Some common causes of birth injuries include: 

1. Delayed or incorrect diagnosis: Failure to diagnose conditions such as fetal distress can lead to irreversible harm. 

2. Improper use of medical instruments: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause significant injury during the birthing process. 

3. Medication errors: Incorrect dosages or unsuitable medications can adversely affect both the mother and the child. 

4. Failure to perform timely C-sections: Delays in performing necessary cesarean sections can lead to oxygen deprivation and other critical issues. 

5. Substandard prenatal care: Neglecting proper monitoring and treatment during pregnancy can result in undetected complications. 

6. Inadequate monitoring of labor: Failure to monitor the baby's heart rate and other vital signs during labor can result in undetected distress and complications. 

7. Negligent postnatal care: Insufficient care provided to the newborn immediately after birth can lead to untreated conditions or injuries. 

Understanding Kentucky Laws for Birth Injury Claims

In Kentucky, several state-specific regulations govern medical malpractice claims, including those for birth injuries. These include:

• Statute of limitations: In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, including birth injuries, is typically one year from the date of the injury or from the date the injury was discovered. Failure to file a claim during this period can result in you being unable to pursue any form of compensation or damages.

• Damage caps: Kentucky does not currently impose caps on the amount of compensatory damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice cases. 

• Certificate of merit: While Kentucky does not require a certificate of merit to file a medical malpractice claim, securing expert testimony to support the claim is essential for proving negligence.

Understanding the Legal Process

Before you decide to pursue a birth injury claim, it's important to familiarize yourself with the legal process and know what to expect: 

1. Consult an attorney: During an initial consultation, your attorney will review the details of the case, including medical records and any evidence of negligence. 

2. Investigation: You and your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather additional evidence, including expert opinions to substantiate your claim. 

3. Filing the claim: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, your legal team will file a formal claim against the parties responsible. 

4. Negotiation: Birth injury claims are often settled out of court through negotiation. Your attorney will advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement for you and your family. 

5. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court and vigorously advocate for the rights of you and your family. 

Why Choose Slechter Law Firm?

At Slechter Law Firm, Mr. and Mrs. Slechter provide individualized representation to their clients. Unlike larger firms where cases are often handled by administrative staff, you will work directly with an attorney. This hands-on approach ensures you will receive the attention and care you deserve. 

As a husband-and-wife team, Mr. and Mrs. Slechter understand the importance of family. They approach each case with empathy and compassion, recognizing the profound impact that a birth injury can have on you, your spouse, and your child.

Birth Injury Attorneys in Louisville, Kentucky

If your family has been affected by a birth injury, seek legal counsel to secure your child’s future. Slechter Law Firm is here to help you work through this challenging time with compassion and legal knowledge. Call Mr. and Mrs. Slechter today to schedule a free consultation or to learn how they can help your family recover and move forward.