Fort Smith Birth Injuries Lawyer
When your child suffers an injury at birth, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. As a Fort Smith birth injuries lawyer, we understand the fear, confusion, and urgency you may be feeling. At Taylor King Law, we don’t just offer legal help—we offer unwavering support to families across Arkansas during one of the most critical times in their lives. We know how devastating it can be to learn that a preventable error may have caused harm to your newborn. That’s why we stand ready to hold negligent medical providers accountable and guide you every step of the way. Birth injuries are more than medical cases—they are deeply personal, and they deserve skilled, compassionate representation. If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, your family may be entitled to justice, answers, and financial compensation.

Hire a Fort Smith Birth Injuries Lawyer
When your child suffers an injury at birth, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. As a Fort Smith birth injuries lawyer, we understand the fear, confusion, and urgency you may be feeling. At Taylor King Law, we don’t just offer legal help—we offer unwavering support to families across Arkansas during one of the most critical times in their lives. We know how devastating it can be to learn that a preventable error may have caused harm to your newborn. That’s why we stand ready to hold negligent medical providers accountable and guide you every step of the way. Birth injuries are more than medical cases—they are deeply personal, and they deserve skilled, compassionate representation. If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, your family may be entitled to justice, answers, and financial compensation.
Common Birth Injuries in Arkansas
Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy)
Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus birth injury, named after Dr. Wilhelm Erb, one of the first physicians to describe the condition. It affects approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 newborns. The brachial plexus (BRAY-key-el PLEK-sis) is a complex network of nerves near the neck that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers.
When these nerves are damaged—often due to the infant’s neck being stretched to the side during a difficult delivery—the result can be arm weakness or complete loss of motion.
Symptoms include:
- Weakness in one arm
- Loss of movement or feeling
- Decreased grip strength in the affected hand
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to a developing brain that interferes with muscle control.
“Cerebral” means having to do with the brain, while “palsy” refers to muscle weakness or difficulty with muscle use.
Key facts:
- Symptoms range widely; some children may walk awkwardly, while others may need full-time assistance
- In severe cases, specialized equipment may be required for mobility
- CP does not get worse over time, but its symptoms may change as the child grows
Facial Paralysis
This occurs when pressure on the baby’s face during delivery damages facial nerves. It often results from the use of delivery-assistive tools like forceps.
Possible signs:
- Lack of movement on one side of the face
- Inability to close one eye
- Uneven facial expressions
Brain Damage From Lack of Oxygen
Oxygen deprivation during labor can lead to permanent brain injuries, similar to those seen in traumatic brain injuries. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a critical condition caused by reduced oxygen supply.
Outcomes may include:
- Seizures
- Developmental delays
- Cognitive and motor impairments
Fractures or Broken Bones During Delivery
The most commonly fractured bone during delivery is the clavicle or collarbone. These injuries may occur during breech deliveries or when there is shoulder dystocia.
Recovery can involve:
- Immobilization of the affected area
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up monitoring for proper healing
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries may occur due to a range of complications, but many are preventable. Understanding their causes can help you determine whether legal action is appropriate.
Medical Negligence by Doctors or Nurses
Medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care expected in childbirth, leading to potentially avoidable birth injuries and lifelong consequences for the child and family. Examples include misreading fetal monitors or failing to recognize complications.
Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors
When assistive delivery devices like forceps or vacuum extractors are misused by medical staff, they can cause serious birth trauma such as facial nerve damage, skull fractures, or internal bleeding, leaving lasting physical and developmental challenges. In the most tragic cases, these errors can even lead to wrongful death.
Delayed Cesarean Section
A timely C-section can be crucial in avoiding complications during labor. Failure to perform a C-section when medically necessary, such as during fetal distress, may constitute negligence and result in preventable brain injuries or other birth-related harm.
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
Proper fetal monitoring is essential during labor. Ignoring abnormal heart rates or other distress signals may lead to oxygen deprivation or other complications, resulting in permanent injuries that could otherwise have been avoided.
Can I Sue for a Birth Injury in Arkansas?
Yes, if your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. This allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and future care needs. An experienced attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and work with medical experts.
Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Cases
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for filing a birth injury lawsuit can vary depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Typically, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within two years from the date the injury occurred. However, this timeline can shift when the injured party is a minor. In such situations, there may be exceptions that extend the window for filing a claim, allowing families more time to seek justice.
Waiting too long could result in losing your legal right to pursue compensation. The sooner you consult with a knowledgeable birth injury attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. A qualified lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, gather essential evidence, and ensure you meet all statutory deadlines required under Arkansas law. Taking action now could be critical for your child’s future care and well-being.
Compensation for Birth Injury Victims
Families coping with the aftermath of a birth injury often face more than medical bills—they face an uncertain future filled with long-term needs and unexpected challenges. It’s worth noting that financial compensation can make a huge difference in how well a child and their loved ones adapt and recover.
- Coverage for current and future medical care
- Rehabilitation therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Educational assistance tailored to a child’s specific needs
- Financial support for diminished earning potential down the line
- Recognition for the physical and emotional pain your family has endured
- Help address the emotional strain that follows traumatic birth outcomes
No two birth injury cases are exactly alike. What matters most is how the injury has altered your child’s path and what resources will best support their progress. We step in to help families pursue the full scope of support they need—not just what’s easy to calculate.
Why Choose Taylor King Law for Your Birth Injury Case?
We’re not just here to represent you—we’re here to stand beside you. Our team has walked this path with many families facing difficult birth injury cases, and we know what it takes to advocate with heart and precision. We dig deep into the details, fight hard for what matters, and always keep your family’s well-being front and center.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Tailored legal guidance that respects your situation
- Thorough investigations with insights from top medical professionals
- Familiarity with the Fort Smith community and its courts
- You won’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you
Truck Accident
$4 Million
Settlement for a client that was injured in a large truck accident.
Wrongful Death
$1.75 Million
Our team fought and obtained a settlement for a wrongful death case.
Truck Accident
$1.1 Million
Our team successfully represented our client and secured a settlement.
Car Accident
$1.1 Million
A car accident caused by a steel coil in the roadway.
Truck Accident
$715,000
Our team obtained a settlement. We protect our clients’ interests.
Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer in Fort Smith Today
If your child suffered a birth injury in Fort Smith, you deserve answers and support. The road ahead may be difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Taylor King Law, we help families pursue justice and financial security with professionalism and compassion. Call us today to speak with a Fort Smith birth injuries lawyer who will fight for your child’s future.
Visit our Law Office in Fort Smith
Our attorney’s office in Fort Smith is located just east of downtown Ft. Smith and a short drive from I-540. We’re available if you need to speak with an attorney face-to-face. An initial consultation is both free and confidential. Because we work on contingency fees, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover damages from the insurance company. Contact us today to learn more.
Taylor King
Taylor King opened the first office in 1994 and has been practicing law for more than 30 years. Those who know him best would describe him as “laser-focused,” which is good news for his clients and bad news for his golf opponents.
Memberships & Professional History
- Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association
- Arkansas Bar Association