Seattle Birth Injury Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Support for Families Facing Birth Injuries

The birth of a child should be a joyful and safe experience. Unfortunately, medical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can lead to devastating birth injuries with lifelong consequences. Families may suddenly face staggering medical bills, long-term care needs, and the emotional toll of raising a child with preventable injuries.

At Miller Olsen, our experienced Seattle birth injury lawyers help families across Washington hold negligent medical providers accountable. We combine legal skill, medical knowledge, and compassion to pursue justice and secure the financial support your child needs for the future.

What Is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury occurs when a newborn suffers harm before, during, or immediately after delivery. While some complications are unavoidable, many are the result of medical negligence.

Common types of birth injuries include:

Cerebral palsy caused by oxygen deprivation during delivery, leading to motor skill challenges and lifelong disabilities
Erb’s palsy and brachial plexus injuries often associated with shoulder dystocia, resulting in weakness or paralysis in the arm
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or brain damage from insufficient oxygen to the brain
Fractures, nerve damage, or spinal cord trauma caused by improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
Oxygen deprivation injuries leading to seizures, cognitive impairments, and developmental delays

An experienced birth injury lawyer can investigate whether these outcomes were preventable and guide families through the complex process of filing a claim.

Causes of Birth Injuries

Medical providers are expected to uphold strict standards of care during pregnancy and delivery. When those standards are not met, preventable harm can occur. Some of the most common causes of birth injuries include:

Failure to monitor fetal distress, such as ignoring abnormal heart rates or oxygen levels
Delayed C-sections that result in oxygen deprivation
Improper use of delivery tools, including excessive force with forceps or vacuum extractors
Medication errors during pregnancy or labor
Failure to diagnose maternal complications such as preeclampsia, infections, or gestational diabetes

When negligence is suspected, a Seattle birth injury lawyer can investigate medical records, consult with specialists, and uncover whether proper care was provided.

Washington Birth Injury Lawsuits and Compensation

Filing a birth injury lawsuit in Washington involves more than proving an injury occurred. It requires showing that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure directly caused harm.

A successful claim may provide compensation for:

Medical expenses, including past bills, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and future care
Therapy and special education, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Adaptive equipment and home modifications, including wheelchairs, lifts, and accessible living adjustments
Lost income or reduced earning capacity for parents who must provide care
Pain and suffering for both the child and the family
Future care costs, such as nursing, assisted living, or in-home support

Working with a birth injury lawyer ensures your case is carefully documented, supported by expert testimony, and positioned for the best chance of success.

Why Choose Miller Olsen

Miller Olsen has built a reputation as an experienced birth trauma law firm serving families throughout Seattle and Washington. Our attorneys are:

Award-winning birth injury lawyers with recognition for trial advocacy and client service
Skilled at handling cases involving cerebral palsy, HIE, brachial plexus injuries, and delayed C-sections
Supported by a network of respected medical experts who provide testimony and analysis
Relentless in pursuing justice, whether through negotiation or trial litigation

We understand the emotional and financial stress that birth injuries place on families. That is why we offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

While you should reach out to one of our specialized attorneys for free today, here are answers to some common questions.

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in Washington?

Most cases must be filed within three years of the injury or within one year of discovering it. A birth injury lawyer can help ensure your case meets the required deadlines.

Do I need a lawyer with medical malpractice experience?

Yes. Birth injury cases are among the most complex types of medical malpractice claims. They require attorneys who understand medical records, standards of care, and how to work with expert witnesses. Our team has years of experience in these cases.

What if my child’s condition won’t show up until later?

Some injuries, such as developmental delays or learning disabilities, may not be immediately apparent. Washington law provides certain protections for “discovery” cases, but timelines vary. An attorney can help you understand how this applies to your situation.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

Miller Olsen offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront fees and no costs unless we recover compensation.

Can my case settle without going to trial?

Yes. Many birth injury claims are resolved through settlement, but if insurance companies refuse fair compensation, our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court.

Contact a Seattle Birth Injury Attorney Today

If your child has suffered a preventable injury during birth, you don’t have to face this difficult journey alone. Miller Olsen’s Seattle birth injury lawyers are here to stand with you. We will investigate your case, explain your legal rights, and fight to secure the financial support your family needs to provide the best possible future for your child.