Bringing a child into the world should be a moment of joy—not a time filled with confusion, fear, and heartbreak. Unfortunately, for some Missouri families, childbirth is marred by preventable injuries that can have lifelong consequences for both the child and their loved ones.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent trying to make sense of what went wrong—and what you can do to protect your child’s future.

As personal injury lawyers who focuses on birth injury cases in Missouri, we want to walk you through the basics of what you need to know, what your legal options may be, and how Gunn | Slater can help you seek justice.

What Is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury refers to any harm a baby sustains before, during, or shortly after delivery. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may result in permanent disabilities. 

Common birth injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Erb’s palsy
• Brachial plexus injuries
• Brain damage due to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia)
• Fractures and nerve damage

While some birth injuries are unavoidable, many are caused by medical negligence—errors made by doctors, nurses, or hospital staff during labor and delivery.

Signs Your Child’s Injury May Be Due to Medical Negligence

Medical professionals are expected to provide care that meets accepted standards. If they fail in that duty, and your child is harmed as a result, it may be a case of malpractice. 

Warning signs include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
• Delayed C-section despite signs of complications
• Mismanagement of maternal infections or umbilical cord issues

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it’s important to act quickly.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Explore Your Legal Options

In Missouri, there are strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing a medical malpractice claim. For birth injury cases, the deadline may be extended depending on the child’s age, but it’s always best to start early—while evidence is still fresh and medical records are readily available.

More importantly, early legal action can help you:

• Secure compensation for medical expenses, including long-term care
• Access funding for rehabilitation, therapy, and special education
• Hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

At Gunn | Slater, we work closely with medical experts to build strong cases and fight for the compensation your child deserves. We understand the emotional and financial toll a birth injury can take on your family. That’s why our Missouri legal team is dedicated to guiding parents through every step of the legal process—with compassion, honesty, and the experience to get results. 

In March 2025, Amy Gunn and Erica Slater of Gunn | Slater obtained the largest Missouri birth injury verdict on record, which is why we stand ready to represent you and your family through this difficult legal landscape. Our attorneys provide valuable, comprehensive insight into birth injury cases and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients. 

If you or a family you know has a child who suffered a birth injury due to a medical provider’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gunn | Slater for effective and personalized consultation.