Birth Injury
Supporting New Mexico Families Through Birth Injury Cases
The moment a child is born should feel safe and certain, like everything is finally falling into place. But when something goes wrong in the delivery room, that sense of security can disappear almost instantly. Instead of focusing on bringing your baby home, you may find yourself facing difficult medical decisions, unanswered questions, and concerns about what lies ahead.
At Szantho Law Firm, we represent families across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and throughout New Mexico whose lives have been changed by preventable medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. We don’t just investigate what went wrong – we guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with hospitals and insurers, so you can focus on your child’s care while we fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
What Is A Birth Injury?
A birth injury occurs when a baby suffers harm before, during, or shortly after delivery due to complications or preventable medical errors. While some risks are unavoidable, others happen because warning signs were missed, treatment was delayed, or proper procedures were not followed. These cases often focus on what should have been done differently in critical moments, when timing and decision-making matter most. When proper care is delayed or mishandled, the effects can last a lifetime.
Types Of Birth Injuries
The medical impact of a birth injury can vary depending on the circumstances and how quickly the issue was addressed. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy: Often linked to oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery, affecting movement and coordination
- Brachial Plexus Injury At Birth: Nerve damage that can affect a child’s arm or shoulder function
- Brain Injuries: Caused by lack of oxygen or trauma during delivery
- Skull Fractures Or Physical Trauma: Resulting from improper use of delivery tools
- Developmental Delays: Tied to complications during the birthing process
Conditions like cerebral palsy and brachial plexus injury at birth often require ongoing care, therapy, and long-term planning.
How Birth Injuries Happen
Birth injuries are often the result of breakdowns during critical stages of care, especially when medical providers fail to respond appropriately to complications. Common causes include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed emergency C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum devices
- Oxygen deprivation during labor
- Failure to address umbilical cord issues
- Medication errors during delivery
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Birth Injury Case?
A birth injury lawsuit requires more than showing that an injury occurred. These cases are built by comparing what happened to what should have happened under accepted medical standards. Key elements often include:
- Medical records from pregnancy and delivery
- Evidence of delayed or improper care
- Expert medical review of the decisions made
- Proof that the injury was preventable
These cases demand detailed preparation and a clear understanding of how medical decisions impacted the outcome.
Birth Injury Settlement And Compensation
Families dealing with a birth injury often face long-term financial and emotional challenges. A legal claim can help address the full impact of what happened. A birth injury settlement may include compensation for:
- Ongoing medical treatment and therapy
- Specialized equipment and care needs
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
These cases focus on providing financial stability and support for a child’s long-term needs.
Why Early Action Matters In Birth Injury Cases
Hospitals and insurance providers often begin evaluating these cases right away. Records are reviewed, and internal assessments are made early.
Acting quickly allows your legal team to:
- Preserve important medical evidence
- Work with qualified medical professionals
- Meet critical deadlines
- Identify where care fell short
- Build a case that reflects the full impact of the injury
We’re Here To Support You And Your Family
Experiencing a birth injury can be overwhelming, and no parent should have to navigate the physical, emotional, and financial challenges alone. At Szantho Law Firm, we understand the impact these injuries can have on your child and your family. Our team is here to listen, guide, and fight for your family’s rights every step of the way.
With decades of experience handling birth injury cases across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and New Mexico, we are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable and helping families secure the compensation they need for care, therapy, and peace of mind. Contact us today for a compassionate, no-obligation consultation – so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s health and your family’s future.