On March 11, 2019 the Honourable Mr. Justice W.N. Renke released his decision in DD v Wong Estate, 2019 ABQB 171. Weir Bowen lawyers Joseph Miller Q.C., Shelagh McGregor, and Ian Miller represented the Plaintiff LL, a growth-restricted infant who was born with a catastrophic brain injury. Damages were agreed upon prior to trial and the […]
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Information about Birth Injury Childcare
Children who endure birth injuries will often have an array of disabilities that will last over the course of their lifetime. These disabilities may include cerebral palsy, in which a child has physical and cognitive disabilities therapy, treatment and lifelong care. Some birth injuries will only affect one specific area, for instance, mental impairment or physical […]
How is Cerebral Palsy Treated? What parents need to know
Cerebral palsy (CP) the diagnosis given to a collection of symptoms caused by an injury to the brain that impacts (among other things) muscle control. CP has many causes (including hypoxia during labour and delivery), a wide range of manifestations, and no known cure. So, if your child has been diagnosed with CP what type […]
How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Social Development?
The creation and building of social relationships are one of many milestones that children affected by cerebral palsy may have difficulty in achieving. But how exactly does cerebral palsy affect social development, especially as children are learning how to walk, talk, and interact with others? Whether it is due to mobility, difficulties in communicating needs […]
Does Aspirin Use During Pregnancy Increase The Risk of Cerebral Palsy?
According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the use of aspirin and acetaminophen during pregnancy has been linked to the potential development of cerebral palsy in unborn children. Researchers based in the Denmark’s University of Copenhagen analyzed nearly 190,000 mother-child pairs during this study and found that women who took aspirin […]
Birth Injury Myths and Facts
Distinguishing the facts from the myths surrounding birth injuries can be an overwhelming and stressful endeavor for current and future parents alike. No parent enjoys thinking about the thought of something happening to their child—or remembering that something has happened to them—but understanding the facts (and your legal options) can be an immense aid for […]
Problems After Forceps Delivery for Mother & Baby
New Study Shows that 1 in 4 Forceps Deliveries Cause Trauma to Mothers and Babies A recently published study of over two million one-baby deliveries conducted by the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed that, between 2004 and 2014, the rate of birth injuries involving forceps delivery has sharply increased from a rate of 19.4 […]
What is the Limitation Period for Your Birth Injury Claim In Canada?
Many parents of children injured at birth are surprised to learn the length of time that they have to start a legal claim as birth injury compensation on behalf of their child. In most provinces in Canada, the limitation period is suspended while the child is a minor, after which a 2-year limitation period typically […]
Fort Nelson, B.C. Cannot Support Expecting Mothers
Insufficient Staffing Closes Maternity Services A November 28, 2017 memo from Airport Way Medical Clinic announced the permanent discontinuation of Maternity Services in Fort Nelson, British Columbia. The memo stated the reason being is that there is simply not enough staffing support to ensure safe obstetric care. Expecting mothers of Fort Nelson are now unable […]
Lucas Warren – The New Face of Gerber
2018 Gerber Baby Search With thousands of hopeful parents and babies seeking to be featured in Gerber ads each year, the Gerber Photo Search contest has captivated the nation every year since its 2010 conception. The 2017 search proved no different as parents submitted over 140,000 photos of their smiling babies, with the hope that […]
Risks of Uterine Contraction Patterns
Main Takeaways: Uterine contractions can compress the blood vessels in the uterus, potentially interfering in the transfer of oxygen to the placenta and the baby. In a normal labor, one contraction every two to three minutes or less than five contractions in a 10 minute period is ideal. A uterus must rest between contractions, having […]
Proving Causation in Medical Malpractice Cases
In order to succeed in a medical malpractice case, the patient must prove, on the balance of probabilities, the following: That the medical practitioner in question (physician, nurse, midwife etc.) owed the plaintiff a duty of care (usually not an issue), A breach of the standard of care required of any reasonably competent practitioner of […]
The Importance of Ultrasound in Pregnancy
Main Takeaways: An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of a developing baby, the mother’s placenta, and uterus, usually during the second trimester. An ultrasound can provide very important diagnostic information about a developing baby, including confirming the pregnancy and gestational age; checking for multiple pregnancies, congenital anomalies, and/or problems with the […]
Contingency Fees – Access To Justice In Birth Injury Cases
High Costs of Litigation As Canadians, we do not pay medical fees directly. Instead, the physicians who treat us are paid by provincial medical insurance plans which are funded by our tax dollars. This of course is not the case for lawyers. Unless we qualify for provincially funded legal aid, which is limited to criminal […]
Fetal Size, Percentile and Growth During Pregnancy
Main Takeaways: In certain pregnancies, such as premature or preterm babies, the size and growth of the fetus matters. Obstetricians use their experience, the fundal height of the mother, and an ultrasound to determine the fetal size. A term pregnancy of at least 37 weeks or more has an average weight of 6 pounds 6 […]
