Corner Brook Birth Injuries Lawyers
The birth of a child is supposed to be one of life’s most joyful and meaningful moments. But for some families in Corner Brook and across Newfoundland and Labrador, the excitement of a new arrival is overshadowed by tragedy. When something goes wrong during pregnancy, labour, or delivery, and your baby suffers a serious injury as a result, the emotional, physical, and financial consequences can be overwhelming.
At NOVA Injury Law, our Corner Brook birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families navigate the legal system and secure the financial support they need to care for their child. If your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Understanding Birth Injuries: More Than Just a Medical Complication
A birth injury is a physical injury sustained by a newborn during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or shortly after birth. These injuries are distinct from birth defects, which are typically the result of genetic or developmental conditions. In contrast, most birth injuries are preventable, and many are the direct result of medical mistakes or negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, or hospital staff.
At NOVA Injury Law, we work with leading medical experts to review what happened during your delivery. If proper care was not provided, we will identify the responsible parties and fight for accountability.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can happen in even the most advanced hospital settings, including facilities like Western Memorial Regional Hospital. Medical errors may occur due to poor decision-making, lack of communication, failure to follow protocols, or inexperience during high-pressure situations.
Typical causes of birth injuries include:
- Delayed C-section: When signs of fetal distress are ignored or misinterpreted, doctors may wait too long to perform an emergency cesarean, leading to oxygen deprivation or brain damage.
- Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: Delivery tools can be lifesaving, but only when used properly. Incorrect technique or excessive force can cause skull fractures, nerve injuries, or intracranial bleeding
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Vital Signs: Continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate is standard during labour. When staff miss signs of distress, they may fail to intervene in time.
- Medication Errors: Administering the wrong type or dose of medication (such as oxytocin or epidurals) can create dangerous conditions for both mother and child.
- Neglect of High-Risk Pregnancies: Certain pregnancies require closer monitoring and planning. When high-risk factors like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or fetal positioning are ignored, birth complications can arise.
Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries range in severity, from temporary issues to lifelong disabilities. Some injuries require only short-term treatment, while others demand lifelong care, specialized equipment, and permanent support systems.
Some of the most serious and commonly litigated birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy: a neurological disorder caused by oxygen deprivation or brain trauma
- Erb’s Palsy / Brachial Plexus Injuries: nerve damage affecting movement and sensation in the arm
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow
- Spinal Cord Injuries: which may result in partial or complete paralysis
- Fractures: especially of the collarbone or skull, due to improper force during delivery
- Facial Paralysis or Nerve Damage: often the result of tool misuse or physical trauma during birth
These conditions can severely impact a child’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and learn—and place enormous demands on the family unit.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
Not all birth complications are the result of negligence. Some injuries may be unavoidable despite excellent care. However, when a medical provider fails to act with the care and skill expected of a competent professional, and that failure causes harm, it may amount to medical malpractice.
To prove negligence in a birth injury claim, our legal team will:
- Review prenatal and delivery records
- Consult with independent medical experts
- Investigate hospital policies and procedures
- Compare the care received with recognized medical standards
- Identify any errors, delays, or omissions that contributed to the injury
Our physician-led legal team understands both the law and the complex medical issues involved in birth injury cases. We build strong, evidence-backed claims designed to succeed in court or at the settlement table.
What Compensation Is Available?
Raising a child with a serious birth injury can come with lifelong expenses. The goal of a birth injury lawsuit is not only to hold negligent providers accountable—but to secure the financial resources your family will need now and into the future.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, therapies, and medications
- Assistive equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, or feeding devices
- Home modifications to improve accessibility
- Special education costs
- Lost income if a parent must reduce hours or leave work to provide care
- Pain and suffering experienced by both the child and parents
- Loss of enjoyment of life caused by disability or developmental delays
Every child’s situation is different. That’s why our team works closely with medical and financial experts to evaluate the full scope of your child’s current and future needs.
Settlement vs. Litigation
Once we’ve built your case, we’ll discuss your options—whether to negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial.
- Settlement: Many birth injury cases can be resolved without going to court. A negotiated settlement provides compensation faster and avoids the emotional stress of a public trial.
- Litigation: In more complex cases or where the insurer denies responsibility, going to court may be necessary. Our lawyers are fully prepared to present your case before a judge and advocate for the full value of your child’s claim.
Regardless of the path you take, we remain committed to protecting your child’s interests and ensuring your family has the support needed to move forward.
Special Legal Considerations
Birth injury claims in Newfoundland and Labrador must follow specific legal timelines. In most cases, you have two years from the date the injury was discovered—or should have been discovered—to file a claim. However, because children are involved, there may be extended deadlines depending on the circumstances. Our team will ensure that all procedural steps are taken correctly and on time, so your child’s rights are fully preserved.
We also explore other avenues of financial support, including:
- Provincial health benefits
- Disability tax credits
- Federal and provincial child disability supports
- Private health insurance or workplace coverage
Why Choose NOVA Injury Law?
At NOVA Injury Law, we provide more than just legal services—we offer a partnership built on trust, compassion, and medical understanding.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Doctor-led Legal Team: We’re the only firm in Atlantic Canada led by both lawyers and physicians, giving us an unmatched edge in understanding complex birth injury cases.
- Experience with Birth Injury and Medical Malpractice: We’ve handled a wide range of pediatric injury claims and know how to challenge hospitals, insurers, and healthcare providers.
- Client-Focused Approach: We listen to your concerns, guide you with care, and ensure you feel supported throughout your legal journey.
- No Legal Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis—if we don’t secure compensation, you don’t pay.
Speak with a Corner Brook Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure of where to turn. We understand. Let us help you take back control and begin the path to justice. Contact NOVA Injury Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you make the best decisions for your family. There’s no cost to speak with us—and potentially everything to gain. Contact us at info@novainjurylaw.com for more information or to book a consultation.
