Some birth-related injuries are obvious from the get-go, while others take time to become apparent. In either case, parents of children affected by such injuries may find themselves spending a lot of their time getting their children the help they need rather than focusing on holding those responsible accountable for their actions. It is okay to take time and wait until one is ready to pursue legal claims against a medical provider. Parents in Oregon just need to make sure not to wait too long, or they may lose their opportunity.
Statute of limitations in birth injury cases
Some people may be surprised to learn that they only have so much time to file a birth injury lawsuit. There is a statute of limitations on such cases, as there are in most civil cases. The reason for this is so no one can hold a lawsuit over someone else’s head for the rest of their lives. They either take action in a timely manner, or they lose the ability to take action at all.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years. That two years could be from the date the injury occurred or from when the injury was discovered. Those who file their lawsuits after the statute of limitations expires will most likely have their claims rejected.
The sooner action is taken, the better
The sooner parents of children affected by malpractice-related birth injuries seek compensation for their losses, the better. No one should have to shoulder the financial burden associated with such injuries on their own, but that’s what will happen if action is taken too late. An attorney with experience handling birth injury cases can review the details of one’s case, help file any appropriate claims promptly, and fight for maximum compensation for one’s losses through negotiation or litigation.