Birth Fracture Attorney in Columbus

Types & Signs of Birth Fractures

Symptoms vary based on the bone involved and whether another injury occurred. Prompt medical evaluation and follow-up remain important even when a fracture is expected to heal well. The resulting records can document when symptoms appeared, how the diagnosis was made, and what treatment was recommended.

Birth fractures may involve:

• Clavicle: A collarbone fracture may cause tenderness, irritability, reduced movement of one arm, or a lump that becomes noticeable as healing begins.
• Humerus: A fracture of the upper arm bone may cause pain, swelling, or limited movement.
• Femur: A thighbone fracture may produce pain, swelling, or reduced movement of the affected leg.
• Skull: A skull fracture may involve scalp swelling or neurological concerns that require immediate medical assessment.

Delivery Circumstances That May Require Investigation

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. It is associated with some clavicle fractures, but its presence doesn’t establish negligence by itself. The legal question is how the delivery team recognized and managed the complication.

A review may also consider breech delivery, prolonged or difficult labor, attempted extraction, and the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. The timing and technique of the delivery, documented decision-making, and the baby’s condition before and after birth may all be relevant. Each claim depends on its own medical evidence.

Ohio Deadlines for Birth Fracture Claims

Under Ohio law, a medical claim generally must be filed within one year after it accrues, but exceptions and tolling rules may affect that period. Qualifying written notice sent before the ordinary deadline expires may provide a 180-day extension. The child’s age, when the injury was discovered, the potential defendants, and the nature of the claim can all influence the applicable deadline.

A medical claim also generally requires an affidavit of merit for each defendant. This affidavit is a sworn statement from a qualified medical professional supporting the basis of the claim. In some circumstances, a plaintiff may request additional time to provide it. Because these requirements are fact-sensitive, parents shouldn’t rely on a general deadline calculation for their child’s case.

Damages & a Child’s Future Needs

Potential damages depend on the injury, prognosis, treatment needs, and evidence connecting the harm to negligent care. When supported by the facts, a claim may address medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, future care, home modifications, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic harm.

We assess both present consequences and reasonably anticipated future needs. Medical, rehabilitation, and other professionals may provide insight into the child’s condition and expected care. No two birth injury claims have the same medical history or value, so our evaluation remains specific to each child and family.

Talk With our Columbus Birth Fracture Attorney

If you’re trying to understand whether a labor and delivery fracture could have been prevented, we can review the records, consult qualified medical professionals, and assess your child’s current and future needs. We offer free consultations, including evening and weekend appointments, and can come to you. We handle injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless we recover money for you.