Birth Injury Attorney Fort Wayne

Legal Guidance For Families After A Birth Injury

Learning that your baby may have been hurt during labor or delivery is overwhelming. You might be trying to care for a medically fragile newborn while also wondering whether something went wrong that could have been prevented. In this moment, you need clear information and a path forward, not more confusion.

At Shaw Law, we help families in Fort Wayne and across Indiana understand what may have happened in the delivery room and what legal options might be available. As a birth injury attorney, we carefully review the facts and work to protect your child’s future. Our goal is to give you straight answers so you can make informed choices for your family.

For more than 30 years, our team has represented injured people throughout Indiana. Led by Jeff “JJ” Shaw, we have built a reputation for strong trial work and transparent communication. 

If you have questions about a possible birth injury, we invite you to reach out and talk with us about your child’s story.

How Birth Injuries Affect Families

Parents often hear medical terms before they truly understand what they mean for day-to-day life. A birth injury is physical harm that occurs to a baby shortly before, during, or right after delivery. Some problems are unavoidable, but others may result from delays in care, improper monitoring, or mistakes by medical providers.

Birth trauma can involve lack of oxygen to the brain, nerve damage in the shoulder or arm, skull fractures, or bleeding in the brain. Some signs appear right away, such as difficulty breathing, low Apgar scores, seizures, or a limp arm. Others may show up months later through developmental delays, muscle stiffness, or trouble meeting milestones.

These injuries can change the course of a child’s life. Families may face years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Children might need assistive equipment, medications, or surgery. One parent may reduce work hours or stop working to provide care, which can strain the entire household.

How Our Team Helps After A Birth Injury

For more than three decades, we have handled serious injury claims throughout Indiana courts. Jeff “JJ” Shaw has never lost a slip and fall jury trial, which shows our willingness to take complex cases into the courtroom when settlement is not fair. That trial strength can matter in significant injury cases where large institutions and insurers may defend claims forcefully.

We know communication is critical for families. Through our EZ Case smartphone app, you can check in on your case status and see projected ranges based on the information available. This tool is designed to give you real time insight without adding more calls or emails to your already full day. You can review updates when it works for your schedule.

Cost is a major worry when medical bills are already rising. For qualifying injury matters, including many cases involving children harmed at or around birth, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney fees upfront, and our fee is tied to a financial recovery, if one is obtained. We can discuss how this works in detail during a consultation so you know what to expect.

If you are looking for a birth injury lawyer Fort Wayne families can turn to for guidance, we are ready to talk with you about your questions and concerns. You do not have to navigate this process alone. Contact us today!

What To Do If You Suspect A Birth Injury

Parents often sense something is wrong before anyone uses the phrase “birth injury.” You might notice unusual movements, feeding problems, or delays that do not match what you saw with other children. Trusting those instincts and taking careful steps now can protect both your child’s health and your family’s rights.

Helpful steps if you suspect a birth related injury include:

• Schedule follow up care with your pediatrician or an appropriate specialist to discuss your concerns.
• Ask questions and request that findings, diagnoses, and recommendations be documented in your child’s medical records.
• Write down your recollection of pregnancy, labor, and delivery while the details are fresh, including who said what and when.
• Keep copies of discharge papers, test results, therapy evaluations, and referral notes in one organized place.
• Avoid signing releases, waivers, or settlements related to the birth without having them reviewed by an attorney.

You do not have to decide whether to pursue a claim before you speak with a lawyer. A birth injury lawyer can help you understand whether the facts suggest medical negligence and what steps might come next. During an initial conversation, we explain what an investigation usually involves, how long it may take, and what role you would play. Our goal is to give you information so you can decide what is best for your family.

Indiana Birth Injury Claims & Timing

Claims involving alleged medical mistakes are generally brought under Indiana medical malpractice laws. These rules affect not only when a case must be filed, but also the steps that may be required before a lawsuit can proceed. Which court becomes involved can depend on where the care occurred and other factors, such as where the providers practice.

For families in Fort Wayne and the rest of Allen County, working with a team that regularly practices in Indiana courts can be important. We understand how state procedures are applied and how cases typically move through the system. While every matter is different, our experience helps us explain what you might expect at each stage.

Talk With Our Fort Wayne Birth Injury Team

You do not have to carry all of these questions by yourself. If you are worried that medical errors during labor or delivery may have harmed your child, talking with a birth injury attorney Fort Wayne parents can trust is a practical next step. 

Throughout your case, our focus is on communication and transparency. With our EZ Case app, you can see updates and estimates without needing to schedule a call each time. We know your primary job is caring for your child, and we work to keep the legal side as manageable as possible. If you are ready to discuss your concerns and hear about possible next steps, we are here to help.

Call (260) 777-7777 to speak with our team about your potential birth injury claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby’s injury was malpractice?

The only way to know is to have the care reviewed. We look at records, timelines, and what providers did in response to problems. Some injuries occur even with proper care, while others may involve preventable mistakes. Our review is designed to give you a clearer picture.

What will it cost to hire your birth injury lawyer?

For qualifying injury matters, we typically work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney fees upfront, and our fee is tied to a financial recovery, if one is obtained. We explain the specific percentages and any case-related costs before you decide to move forward.

How long do Indiana birth injury cases usually take?

These cases often take many months, and some take longer, depending on complexity and whether a trial becomes necessary. Factors include medical issues, number of providers involved, and how insurers respond. We use tools like our EZ Case app to keep you updated about progress throughout the process.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

Bring any medical records you have, discharge summaries, therapy reports, and written notes about pregnancy, labor, and delivery. If you do not have everything, that is fine. We can help identify what to request. Your memory of what happened is just as important as the documents.

How will your team keep us updated on our case?

We keep you informed through scheduled calls, emails, and our EZ Case smartphone app. The app lets you see key updates and projected ranges in one place. Our aim is to give you timely information without adding stress, so you can focus on caring for your child.