What Is a Birth Injury Caused by Medical Negligence?

Is Your Baby Living with the Effects of a Birth Injury?

When medical negligence turns a moment of birth into a moment of crisis, families are left searching for answers, stability, and justice. Regan Zambri Long’s award-winning Washington, DC birth injury lawyers bring nearly 200 years of combined experience to families facing the effects of preventable injury.  All our board-certified attorneys bring medical understanding and legal strength to every case, and one of our partners has years of experience as an obstetric and neonatal nurse. She has obtained top results, including a $6.5 million settlement for an infant who suffered neurological injuries after birth.

We have the resources, insight, and resolve to confront powerful healthcare institutions and insurance companies. Our firm fronts all case costs and works with trusted medical specialists to uncover the truth and secure the best possible outcome for each client. With over 100 5 star Google reviews, we are known for results built on compassion, preparation, and perseverance.

Has your child suffered a birth injury in Washington, DC?  We understand how devastating these situations can be for families. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back personally. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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Why Do I Need a Washington, DC Birth Injury Lawyer?

Birth injury cases require careful evaluation of medical records, expert opinions, and thorough investigation to determine whether negligence or medical malpractice caused the injury. A skilled birth injury lawyer will work with medical experts, review the evidence, and consult with specialists to build a strong case. They will seek to establish liability and demonstrate that the healthcare provider or medical facility failed to provide the standard of care expected during childbirth.

Each year, about 20,000 medical malpractice lawsuits are filed across the United States, reflecting how often families are forced to pursue justice after preventable medical errors. Obstetrics and gynecology account for a significant portion of these cases, with approximately 64% of OB-GYNs having faced a lawsuit during their careers. These numbers show how complex and high-risk childbirth care can be, and why having an experienced Washington, DC birth injury lawyer is essential when navigating the legal and medical challenges of a negligence claim.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Washington, DC Birth Injury Lawyer?

For more than 30 years, Regan Zambri Long has helped families rebuild their lives after devastating birth injuries. Our firm has secured dozens of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury cases across the region, reflecting our commitment to justice and client care.

 

Among our significant birth injury results are:

 

  • $4.2 million settlement for a newborn who suffered severe brain injuries due to hospital negligence
  • $2.5 million settlement for an infant with similar harm
  • $2.4 million verdict in Fredericksburg for a birth injury that resulted in a permanent brain injury
  • $1.8 million recovery for a child whose arm was injured following birth

 

Our attorneys are regularly recognized among the leading practitioners in medical malpractice law. President and Senior Partner Patrick Regan has been named Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law by Best Lawyers and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Senior Partner Victor Long has appeared in Best Lawyers of America since 2014 for Medical Malpractice Law and continues to be recognized for his work in complex negligence litigation.

 

Partner Jacqueline Colclough brings a unique perspective drawn from her prior career as an obstetrical and neonatal nurse. Her combination of medical and legal insight has earned her recognition as a Best Lawyer for Medical Malpractice Law in 2024 and 2025. She was named a Washington, DC Super Lawyer in 2024, and attorney Emily Lagan has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Medical Malpractice since 2021.

 

If your family is facing the lasting impact of a preventable birth injury, you deserve trusted advocates who understand both the medical and legal challenges ahead. Contact Regan Zambri Long today to speak with one of our experienced Washington, DC birth injury lawyers. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward recovery and accountability.

What Is the Difference Between a Birth Injury and a Birth Defect?

It is essential to understand that birth injuries are different from birth defects. While genetic or environmental factors typically cause birth defects (also known as congenital disorders), birth injuries are the result of preventable medical errors or negligence.

 

Birth defects usually form during pregnancy, while birth injuries happen during or shortly after delivery. This timing difference is crucial because it helps determine whether the cause was unavoidable or preventable. When an injury results from a medical mistake, such as delayed intervention or improper monitoring during labor, it may be considered medical negligence rather than a congenital condition.

Most Common Birth Injuries Caused By Negligence

Birth injuries caused by medical negligence are distressing events that can have a significant impact on the lives of the child and their family. These injuries occur when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected during pregnancy, the labor and delivery process, resulting in harm or injury to the newborn. While every birth injury case is unique, several common types of birth injuries may occur due to medical negligence.

Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brain damage, nerve damage, fractures, and other physical and neurological conditions that can significantly affect the child’s development, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle coordination, and posture. It can be caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development during or shortly after birth. Medical negligence, such as failure to detect or respond to fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or oxygen deprivation, can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy and its symptoms.

Erb’s Palsy: Erb’s palsy affects the nerves in the upper arm, causing weakness or paralysis. It often occurs as a result of shoulder dystocia, a complication during delivery where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. Improper handling of this situation or excessive force during delivery can lead to nerve damage and Erb’s palsy.

Brachial Plexus Injuries: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to the brachial plexus can occur during a difficult delivery, particularly if excessive force is used or if the baby’s shoulder gets trapped during delivery. These injuries can result in weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis in the affected arm.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): HIE occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the baby’s brain during childbirth. It can lead to brain damage and various long-term neurological impairments. Medical negligence, such as failure to monitor the baby’s oxygen levels or respond promptly to signs of fetal distress, can contribute to the development of HIE.

Fractures and Bone Injuries: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can result in fractures or other bone injuries to the baby. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe bone damage, requiring medical intervention and possibly long-term care.

Facial Nerve Birth Injury: If excessive force is used during delivery, facial nerve damage can occur in the baby’s face. This can cause facial paralysis, difficulty closing eyes or smiling, and other facial muscle weaknesses.

These are just a few examples of common birth injuries that can occur due to medical negligence. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding the injury must be thoroughly examined to determine if medical negligence played a role.

Contact Regan Zambri Long to schedule a free consultation to discuss your possible birth injury medical malpractice case.

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How Can a DC Birth Injury Attorney Help?

If you suspect that your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, speak to an experienced birth injury attorney. They can help investigate the injury’s circumstances, gather relevant medical records and expert opinions, and build a compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable. A skilled birth injury lawyer will fight for your rights and seek the compensation necessary to provide the lifelong care and support your child may require as a result of the birth injury.

  • Understanding Your Rights in a Birth Injury Negligence Case: Birth injury cases are complicated, involving medical laws, regulations, and standards of care. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the legal process.
  • Investigating the Birth Injury Case: A birth injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s injury. They will review medical records, consult with medical experts, and gather evidence to determine if medical negligence played a role. This investigation is critical in establishing liability and building a solid case.
  • Assessing Childbirth Damages: A birth injury can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. A lawyer will help assess the damages suffered by your child and your family, including medical expenses, ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive devices, special education needs, and pain and suffering. They will work with experts to determine the full extent of the damages and seek appropriate compensation.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when seeking fair compensation for a birth injury. Having a skilled Regan Zambri Long birth injury lawyer by your side ensures that you have someone experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to protect your interests and secure a favorable settlement.
  • Advocacy and Representation: A Regan Zambri Long birth injury lawyer will serve as your advocate throughout the legal process. We will represent your interests, communicate with the parties involved, handle legal paperwork, and fight for the compensation your child and your family deserve. This allows you to focus on your child’s well-being while the lawyer handles the legal aspects of the case.
  • Court Representation: Sometimes, a birth injury lawsuit may proceed to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our birth injury lawyers have the litigation experience and skills to present your case effectively. We will fight for your rights, present compelling evidence, and make persuasive arguments.
  • Access to Expert Resources: Our reputable birth injury lawyers have access to a network of medical experts and specialists who can provide professional opinions and testimony to support your case. These experts can help establish the connection between medical negligence and your child’s birth injury, strengthening your claim.

Consulting a Regan Zambri Long birth injury lawyer provides the legal expertise and support needed during your claim. We will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable, seek fair compensation for your child’s injuries, and help secure the resources necessary to provide the best possible care for your child’s future.

What Steps Should I Take After a Birth Injury Caused by Medical Negligence?

If you suspect that your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, take immediate action. Here are the steps to consider:

  • Seek medical attention: Your child’s health and well-being should always be the top priority. Ensure that they receive appropriate medical care and treatment for their injuries. Follow the advice of healthcare professionals and specialists who can provide support and rehabilitation.
  • Consult a birth injury lawyer: An experienced lawyer specializing in medical negligence cases will thoroughly evaluate your case, review medical records, gather evidence, and determine if medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury. A lawyer will guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.
  • Document and gather evidence: Collect any relevant medical records, photographs, videos, or eyewitness accounts that can support your claim. These pieces of evidence can help establish the connection between medical negligence and your child’s birth injury.
  • Understand your legal rights: Your lawyer will explain your legal rights and available options. They will guide how to proceed, whether through negotiation, mediation, or pursuing a lawsuit.
  • File a claim or lawsuit: Your lawyer will help you file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible parties, which may include healthcare providers, hospitals, or medical institutions. They will handle the legal process on your behalf, including gathering additional evidence, consulting with medical experts, and representing your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
  • Seek fair compensation: Your lawyer will work diligently to seek fair compensation for your child’s injuries, medical expenses, future care needs, pain and suffering, and other damages. They will strive to secure the financial resources necessary to provide the best possible care for your child’s ongoing needs.

Remember, time is of the essence when pursuing a claim in birth injury malpractice cases. Statutes of limitations may apply, so it is important to consult a DC medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

By taking action and seeking legal representation, you can hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence and seek the justice and compensation your child deserves.

Contact Our DC Birth Injury Attorneys Today

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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