When you are expecting a baby, you and your spouse daydream about what your baby will be like. You talk about his or her personality, academic achievements, sports interests, and other parts of his or her life. If your baby sustained a birth injury due to the negligence of a physician or other medical professional, your conversations have now shifted. It is understandable that you are feeling hurt and angry along with a sense of loss over what could have been.
At Miller & Wagner, our Portland birth injury lawyers know that this matter is difficult for many reasons. While we cannot change what happened, as much as we wish we could, we can offer some helpful insight into how you can cope with this new way of life. If you would like to speak with us in a free consultation, please contact us online or call us toll free at 866-785-6625.
Advice for Coping With Birth Injuries
While your child’s life may be different from how you had pictured it, we can assure you that his or her life will be valuable and meaningful. As a parent of a child with a birth injury, you can help yourself and your family adjust by considering the following ways of coping:
- Seek legal advice: As experienced birth injury attorneys, we recommend that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights and options.
- Research benefits that may be available for your child: State and federal benefits may be available, including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and public grants. These benefits can help pay for your child’s therapy and medical needs.
- Find support: Whether in person or online, seek out support and friendship from other parents experiencing situations similar to yours. You can obtain comfort by forming friendships with people who are going through what you are going through. Talk to your friends and family about the daily struggles and joys of raising a child who sustained a birth injury. While their understanding may be different from someone in the situation, it is good to share your feelings and emotions with them.
- Stay in tune with your other children’s feelings: At times, it may feel as if you are focusing all of your time and attention on your injured child. Be mindful of the actions and behaviors toward your other children.
- Let yourself feel your feelings: Yes, there may be days where you are sad and angry. This is normal. Embrace the feelings, talk to your support group about them and work through your emotions.
- Get active: Research organizations that help prevent and cure birth injuries. Spread the word about your child’s injury — be his or her No. 1 advocate.