BILA: Protecting Your Child’s Future With Expert Legal Counsel

There is often confusion about whether a medical issue with a newborn is a birth defect or a birth injury. Birth defects are structural changes that are present at birth. They can affect any part of the body, such as the brain, mouth, or the heart. Examples of birth defects include cleft lip or palate, clubfoot, and spina bifida. These defects often occur within the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs are developing. While some birth factors have a known cause, such as drinking or smoking during pregnancy, others are caused by a complex mix of factors, including genetics, that we don’t fully understand.

In contrast, birth injuries are caused by medical negligence, either during the labour and delivery process or during pregnancy. For example, oxygen deprivation at birth can lead to a diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which is often linked to a failure to appropriately monitor the mother and baby or to intervene in a timely manner. Other common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, jaundice, kernicterus, and hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoglycemia. If a birth injury was caused by negligence, then the family may be able to file a claim against the medical professionals responsible with the help of a BILA lawyer.

All you need to start a consultation with a BILA lawyer is to relay your story of what happened, when, and how your child is doing. Each province has different limitation periods, and our team will advise you on specifics for your area. If you choose to work with our team, we will give you an overview of how your potential claim will be handled and investigated.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable sharing your story. The lawyers and professionals at BILA have the empathy, knowledge, and experience to answer your questions and help you navigate the complexities of a birth injury.

The Birth Injury Alliance of Canada is the only group of lawyers dedicated solely to birth injury claims and has members across the entire country nearest you. Each province has a team dedicated to advocating for families enduring the effects of medical malpractice.

If you suspect your child has suffered a birth injury, medical negligence or malpractice, contact us for a free case evaluation. There are no obligations, or charge, to have our experts review your facts. We have lawyers across the country (except Quebec).

Our lawyers work collaboratively in our network, sharing experience, knowledge, and resources across the country. Our team will help you find a lawyer who is committed to protecting your child’s best interests, and help level the playing field when it comes to fighting for your child’s rights.