Birth Defect

The arrival of a new child should be a time of unbridled joy, but when medical negligence during pregnancy or delivery leads to birth defects, it can shatter families, leaving them with lifelong challenges and heartache. At The Law Office of Calvin Knickerbocker, I devote my practice to advocating for these families, using over 20 years of Oregon litigation experience to pursue justice against healthcare providers whose errors caused preventable harm. Whether it’s a failure to monitor at a local hospital like Legacy Meridian Park or mishandled delivery in our suburban facilities, my focus is on securing the resources needed for your child’s future care, all on a contingency basis with free initial consultations—because no family should navigate this alone.

Birth defect claims fall under medical malpractice, distinct from genetic issues, where we prove that negligence— a deviation from standard care—directly caused the condition, entitling you to compensation for the profound impacts. In our communities, these cases often involve obstetricians, nurses, or hospitals, where oversights during prenatal care or labor turn what should be routine into tragedy. I collaborate with medical experts to link errors to outcomes, building cases that highlight breaches in duty and causation.

Common causes trace back to delivery mishaps, like delayed C-sections leading to oxygen deprivation in birthing centers, or improper use of tools such as forceps causing nerve damage. Prenatal negligence might include missed diagnoses via ultrasounds or unsafe medication prescriptions, while hospital errors— inadequate monitoring or infection control— compound risks in Sherwood’s growing medical landscape. Environmental factors tied to medical advice can play a role, but the focus remains on preventable lapses that healthcare professionals should avoid.

The defects themselves vary in severity, from cerebral palsy stemming from brain oxygen loss, impairing movement and requiring therapies, to brachial plexus injuries like Erb’s palsy from excessive pulling during birth, limiting arm function. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, fractures during extraction, spinal issues, facial paralysis, or developmental delays all demand specialized care, with long-term needs like physical therapy, special education, or adaptive equipment burdening families emotionally and financially— in Oregon, where about 3% of births involve injuries, many traceable to negligence.

Compensation seeks to alleviate these burdens, covering lifetime medical expenses, therapies, lost parental wages, and the child’s future earning potential, alongside non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and family distress— settlements can reach millions,  ensuring support for home modifications or nursing in family homes.

Local trends show rising high-risk pregnancies, emphasizing the need for vigilant care— screening and monitoring can prevent, but when they don’t, I step in.

My expertise in sensitive matters, family-focused empathy, and proven success set me apart— no upfront costs, direct access to me as your advocate.

If your child’s defect stems from negligence, contact me at through this site for a confidential consultation.