If you have found this page, it may be because you or someone close to you is going through something heartbreaking. You may be dealing with the pain and fear of a birth injury or the shock of learning that an untreated infection during pregnancy may have harmed your baby. We understand how overwhelming this moment can feel. It is a time of confusion, sadness, and questions. You may not know what to do next or where to turn. But you are not alone, and there is help available for you and your family.
When something goes wrong during birth
Bringing a new life into the world is supposed to be a joyful experience. Parents dream of holding a healthy baby and beginning their life as a family with happiness and love. But when medical care fails during pregnancy or childbirth, that dream can turn into a nightmare. Birth injuries can change a baby’s life forever. These injuries may lead to life-long physical problems, learning delays, or the need for constant medical care. One of the causes of birth injuries that many families do not know about is untreated maternal infections.
What is an untreated maternal infection
When a woman is pregnant, her doctor has the duty to watch closely for signs of infection. Some infections can seem small at first but can become dangerous very quickly. If left untreated, they can pass to the baby and cause brain damage, breathing problems, early labor, and even death. Common infections include group B strep, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and certain viruses. Doctors are trained to spot these problems and treat them before they get worse. If they do not, and the baby is hurt, the family may have a legal claim.
How untreated infections lead to birth injuries
Doctors must take infections seriously during pregnancy. A pregnant woman may not always feel sick or notice signs right away. That is why testing and follow-up care are so important. If a doctor ignores a mother’s symptoms, delays testing, or fails to give medicine in time, the baby may suffer as a result. These mistakes can cause the baby to be born too early or with problems like cerebral palsy, seizures, brain swelling, or trouble breathing. When these injuries happen because a doctor or nurse did not do their job, it may be considered medical negligence.
What medical negligence means in Georgia
In Georgia, medical workers must follow a standard of care. That means they must act like other careful doctors would in the same situation. If they do not, and a patient gets hurt, that may be negligence. To have a strong legal case, the family must show that the doctor failed to meet this standard, that the failure caused harm, and that the harm led to damage. Damage can include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost future income, and the cost of long-term care. These cases are serious and take time to prove, but they can help a family get the support they need.
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Georgia laws and your time to act
If you believe your baby was injured because of an untreated infection during pregnancy, you must act quickly. Georgia law gives families a limited time to file a claim. This is called the statute of limitations. In most cases, parents have two years from the date of the injury to bring a lawsuit. But when a baby is hurt, the time may be longer. Still, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Medical records, witness memories, and test results are all easier to gather early on. A delay could make it harder to prove your case.
Building a strong claim for your family
To win a case like this, you need clear proof that something went wrong. This means showing that the doctor had a chance to treat the infection but did not, and that this mistake caused the baby’s injury. Lawyers will review medical charts, talk to other doctors, and collect facts to help explain what happened. Every case is different. Some families may not even know an infection was missed until they get legal help. That is why having someone who understands the law and medical care on your side is so important.
What kind of support can come from a legal claim
When a baby has been injured at birth, the family may face a lifetime of costs. Therapy, doctor visits, equipment, and home care can add up. A legal claim can help the family get money to pay for these needs. It can also provide funds for lost wages if a parent has to stop working to care for the child. In some cases, damages for emotional pain may also be included. While money cannot undo the harm, it can bring stability and relief during a very hard time.
Verdicts & Settlements
How a legal team can help you move forward
Taking legal action may feel scary, especially when you are still trying to understand what happened to your baby. But a good legal team will take the pressure off you. They will listen to your story, explain your options, and handle the hard work so you can focus on your child. They will walk with you every step of the way, from filing the case to going to court if needed. Most importantly, they will fight to make sure your voice is heard and your child’s future is protected.
You are not alone and there is hope
No one plans for something like this. It is not your fault. If your child was hurt because a doctor or hospital failed to treat an infection during pregnancy, you may have the right to seek justice. Your family deserves answers and support. These cases are not just about money. They are about making sure what happened to your baby does not happen to someone else. They are about holding people accountable and bringing healing where there has been harm.
Now is the time to take the next step
If you think your child’s birth injury may have been caused by a failure to treat an infection, do not wait. The path forward can begin with one simple call. At Keenan Law Firm, we understand how much this hurts. We have helped families across Georgia get the help they need after medical mistakes during childbirth. We are ready to listen and to help you understand your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can stand with you and your child during this difficult time.