Lighthouse Point Birth Injury Attorneys

Key indicators include: emergency C-section after prolonged labor, low Apgar scores (below 7 at 5 minutes), abnormal umbilical cord blood gases (pH below 7.0, base excess below -12), seizures within 72 hours of birth, NICU admission, therapeutic hypothermia (cooling), and diagnoses of HIE, cerebral palsy, or brachial plexus injury. Independent medical review by a board-certified MFM specialist can determine whether the standard of care was breached.

Birth injury statutes of limitations are complex. Most states toll (pause) the limitation period for minors — meaning the clock doesn't start until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18), giving them until age 20-21 to file. Parents' derivative claims typically have shorter windows (2-3 years). Certificates of merit or affidavits of merit from qualified medical experts are required before filing in many jurisdictions. Despite extended timelines, we recommend acting early while evidence is fresh.

A life care plan is a comprehensive, peer-reviewed projection of all future care needs created by a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP). It catalogs: medical treatment modalities, physical/occupational/speech therapy frequencies, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, orthotics, AAC devices), home accessibility modifications, attendant care hours, special education services, and vocational rehabilitation. A forensic economist then calculates the present value of these future costs. The life-care plan is the foundational document for damages calculation and settlement negotiations.

Most birth injury cases settle through negotiation or mediation (a structured alternative dispute resolution process). However, our thorough preparation for trial — including retained expert witnesses, deposition testimony, and demonstrative exhibits — supports the pursuit of fair settlements. If trial is necessary, we are fully prepared.

Nothing. We work on a contingency fee basis — pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs including expert medical reviews (MFM specialists, neonatologists, pediatric neuroradiologists), life care planning, forensic economist analysis, and litigation expenses. If we don't recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

Yes. Many birth injuries — particularly mild to moderate hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and periventricular leukomalacia — may not manifest clinically until the child reaches developmental milestones (sitting at 6 months, walking at 12 months, speaking at 18-24 months). The Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) assessments at age 2-3 often first reveal deficits. If your delivery involved complications, independent expert record review is warranted.