Hartford Birth Injury Attorney
Hartford Birth Injury Representation Backed by 70+ Years of Connecticut Results
At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we’ve represented personal injury victims in Connecticut since 1955: more than 70 years of plaintiff-only advocacy, never for insurance companies. We litigated the first birth injury case ever filed in Connecticut and have assessed thousands of potential birth trauma cases since. That depth of Connecticut-specific experience is what families facing a baby injury or birth malpractice claim need from their legal team.
Seven of our attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a credential that reflects real trial experience, not just years in practice. We’ve recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients and have obtained some of the largest personal injury verdicts and settlements in Connecticut history. Our national network of medical professionals, including obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists, gives every case the medical foundation it needs. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means no legal fees of any kind unless we’re successful on your behalf.
Contact our Hartford birth injury lawyer by calling (860) 245-2412 today!
Understanding Birth Injury Cases in Hartford
A birth injury claim in Connecticut is a medical malpractice claim. To succeed, the family must prove that the provider departed from the prevailing professional standard of care under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 52-184c and that this departure caused the child’s condition. In practice, this usually requires opinions from multiple medical professionals, typically an obstetrician to address standard of care and a pediatrician or neonatologist to address causation. Before a lawsuit can even be filed, Connecticut law requires a Certificate of Good Faith supported by a written, signed opinion from a similar healthcare provider.
Potential defendants extend beyond the delivering physician. OB/GYNs, anesthesiologists, nurses, clinical laboratories, hospitals, private practices, and medical device manufacturers can all face liability depending on the facts. These cases often involve hundreds or thousands of pages of medical records and demand careful investigation. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we invest the resources this work requires because Hartford families deserve representation that can handle every dimension of a birth injury case.
Birth Injury Cases We Handle in Hartford
Our Hartford birth injury attorneys handle many different types of cases. We understand the challenges parents and families face during this time and work to ease the stress with clear, steady legal guidance.
We handle the following birth injury cases:
Some of these conditions cause permanent neurological or physical impairment. Others may resolve with treatment but still require long-term monitoring and ongoing care. Whether your family is dealing with a baby injury that improved over time or a condition like cerebral palsy or HIE with lifelong consequences, the legal road ahead still requires the same rigorous preparation.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injury and baby malpractice cases often arise from medical errors. Some common causes include:
- Failure to monitor: Inadequate monitoring of fetal heart rate during labor can allow distress to progress undetected, leading to serious complications.
- Improper use of instruments: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can cause injury to the baby or mother.
- Delayed C-sections: Failure to perform a timely C-section when medically indicated can result in oxygen deprivation and permanent harm.
Other contributing factors include prescription drug errors during labor or pregnancy, inadequate prenatal care, failure to refer a high-risk pregnancy to a maternal-fetal medicine physician, failure to correctly interpret ultrasound results, and failure to diagnose or treat post-delivery complications like jaundice or hypoglycemia. The hospital itself may also bear liability for the same negligent acts that give rise to a claim against an individual provider. We thoroughly investigate all potential causes to give our clients a clear picture of what happened and who’s responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Claims in Hartford?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice, including birth injury claims, is governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 52-584: two years from the date the injury was or should have been discovered, with an absolute three-year repose deadline from the date of the negligent act, regardless of discovery. Connecticut doesn’t apply the minority tolling rule found in most other states, which means the two-year clock applies to minor child victims as well. An automatic 90-day extension is available under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 52-190a to allow reasonable inquiry before filing, but time is still short. Contact a birth injury attorney in Hartford as early as possible.
How Can a Birth Injury Lawyer in Hartford Help My Family?
A Hartford birth injury lawyer investigates causation, gathers and reviews medical records, retains appropriate medical professionals, identifies all liable parties, and negotiates with hospital and insurance defense counsel. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case may go to trial. Our firm, RisCassi & Davis, P.C., provides dedicated advocacy to protect your rights throughout every stage of the legal process. Families dealing with a baby malpractice or baby injury claim benefit from having a team that knows Connecticut law and has the medical network to build a complete case.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in Birth Injury Cases?
Compensation in Connecticut birth injury cases can include medical expenses, long-term and lifetime care costs, rehabilitation and therapy, home modification costs, lost parental wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Connecticut doesn’t cap economic or non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, though a judge reviews non-economic awards exceeding $1 million under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 52-228c. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available; in Connecticut, these are limited to litigation costs and attorney’s fees. Every case is different, and what’s recoverable depends on the specific facts and documented impacts.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
While many birth injury cases are resolved through settlement, some do proceed to trial. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we prepare each case thoroughly as if it will go to trial, which positions us strongly in negotiations and gives us leverage to pursue a favorable settlement. Our board-certified trial lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights in court if that’s what your case requires.
What Should I Look for in a Birth Injury Lawyer in Hartford?
When selecting a Hartford birth injury attorney, consider their depth of experience with Connecticut medical malpractice law, their access to medical professionals, their trial readiness, and their fee structure. A firm recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, and with seven Board Certified trial lawyers, brings measurable credentials to the table. You should also consider how the firm communicates: honest timelines, realistic expectations, and regular updates are hallmarks of a team that can support you effectively throughout the process.
