Birth injuries due to medical malpractice can cause severe consequences for families. When seeking compensation for birth injuries, expert witnesses can be crucial in building a case.
But what can expert witnesses do, and how can they affect the legal process? If you are a parent seeking justice for a birth injury, you may wonder about how expert witnesses can help your case.
The importance of expert witnesses
Expert witnesses can be vital in birth injury cases because they can review medical records, testify in court and provide expert opinions. They can also identify critical issues in the case. These experts can include:
- Obstetricians: They can talk about the standard of care for prenatal treatment, labor and delivery. Also, they can help confirm if medical professionals failed to meet that standard.
- Neonatologists: They can discuss the care of newborns, including the diagnosis and treatment of birth injuries.
- Pediatric neurologists: They can mention the long-term effects of birth injuries on a child’s brain development and function. This can help confirm the extent of the injuries.
- Life care planners: They can talk about the future medical needs and costs related to a birth injury. This can help determine the damages a family may seek.
In New Mexico, families who have experienced a birth injury due to medical malpractice may pursue compensation. They can seek economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, they can seek noneconomic damages for pain and suffering, among others.
Aiming to secure justice for your family
Knowing the role of expert witnesses may help you handle your case with more confidence. However, going through the legal process can be tough and daunting during this trying time. With legal advice, you may better protect your rights and make informed decisions as you aim to secure justice for your child and family.