Bethesda, MD Birth Injury Lawyers

The birth of a child should be one of life’s most joyous moments. However, when medical providers make critical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can be devastating. If your child has suffered a serious birth injury, the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates is prepared to guide your family through the legal process with clarity, care, and determination.

Our firm handles complex medical cases across Maryland and Washington, D.C., including in Bethesda. What sets our team apart is Dr. Michael Wilson’s rare qualifications—he holds both a law degree and a medical degree, which enables a deeper understanding of the clinical and legal issues that arise in birth injury claims.

Understanding Birth Injuries

A birth injury occurs when a newborn sustains physical or neurological harm during the labor and delivery process or shortly afterward. While some birth complications are unavoidable, others result from preventable medical mistakes.

Types of birth injuries we frequently handle include:

Cerebral palsy
Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) due to oxygen deprivation
Brain bleeds and skull fractures
Shoulder dystocia injuries
Spinal cord damage
Facial paralysis caused by trauma during delivery

Birth injuries may lead to long-term or permanent conditions that affect a child’s mobility, cognitive development, and overall quality of life.

A Unique Combination of Medical and Legal Knowledge

Dr. Michael Wilson is one of the few attorneys in the United States who is also a licensed physician. His dual background allows our firm to take a detailed and informed approach to every birth injury case we handle.

Having direct medical training provides Dr. Wilson with:

The ability to analyze obstetric records and fetal monitoring strips.
Familiarity with clinical protocols followed by labor and delivery teams.
Insight into complex diagnoses such as cerebral palsy or HIE.
A thorough foundation for questioning medical witnesses and professionals.
The capacity to explain intricate medical facts to a jury or judge in a clear, persuasive way.

For families navigating both medical trauma and legal uncertainty, having a legal team that thoroughly understands both fields offers peace of mind and a distinct advantage in litigation.

How Do I Know If Medical Negligence Caused My Child’s Injury?

Birth injuries can happen for a variety of reasons. Some are due to natural complications, while others are the result of avoidable mistakes. If your baby experienced a difficult labor and shows signs of distress or disability, it’s worth asking whether more should have been done.

Signs that may point to a preventable injury include:

Low Apgar scores.
Oxygen deprivation at birth.
Seizures or abnormal reflexes shortly after delivery.
Extended stay in the NICU.
Developmental delays or missed milestones.
Difficulty feeding or muscle stiffness.

Our firm works with qualified consultants to assess whether proper medical care was given. If the standard of care was not followed, we will take steps to pursue accountability.

Common Causes of Preventable Birth Injuries

When providers fail to act quickly or appropriately during pregnancy or delivery, the consequences can be life-altering. Common causes of preventable birth injuries include:

Failure to perform a timely C-section.
Mismanagement of shoulder dystocia.
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
Failure to monitor fetal heart rate.
Untreated maternal infections or conditions.
Delayed response to signs of fetal distress.

Our team investigates every angle of your case to determine whether a medical provider, hospital, or both failed to meet accepted standards.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Birth Injury Case?

The cost of caring for a child with a serious birth injury can be significant. A successful claim can help cover the long-term needs of your child and reduce the financial burden on your family.

Compensation may be available for:

Current and future medical care.
Therapy and rehabilitation services.
Assistive devices or mobility aids.
Educational support and special services.
Pain and suffering.
Loss of future earning ability.
Emotional distress for parents and caregivers.

We aim to secure compensation that addresses both the immediate and lifelong needs created by the injury.

Time Limits for Filing a Birth Injury Claim in Maryland

Maryland has specific deadlines—called statutes of limitations—that govern how long you have to file a birth injury claim. Generally, you must file:

Within five years from the date of injury, or;
Within three years of discovering the injury, whichever is earlier.

In cases involving children, the time limits may be different. That said, prompt legal action helps preserve critical evidence and increases your chances of a successful outcome. Speak with a Bethesda birth injury lawyer as soon as you suspect negligence may be involved.

Why Work with Our Firm?

Families in Bethesda and throughout Maryland choose the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates because we are dedicated to holding negligent providers accountable and helping families find a path forward.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

A thorough review of medical records and potential negligence.
Access to medical and legal insight from a uniquely qualified lawyer.
Strategic advocacy in negotiations and the courtroom.
A personalized approach that puts your child’s future first.
No legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

We have recovered over $100 million on behalf of clients in complex medical malpractice and birth injury cases.

Contact a Bethesda Birth Injury Lawyer at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates

If you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, we are here to help. At the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, we provide legal support rooted in deep medical and legal understanding. Let us evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help your family take the next steps. Call a Bethesda birth injury lawyer at 202-223-4488 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.