Injury can occur if newborns are deprived of oxygen before, during, or after birth. If your baby suffered injuries at birth due to the deprivation of oxygen, you may have a claim against your doctor or the hospital staff. Medical malpractice is the failure of a health care provider to follow generally accepted standards in the medical profession. If the failure of the doctor or hospital is the cause of a birth defect due to lack of oxygen, damages may be recoverable under the laws of medical malpractice. Most doctors and hospitals carry malpractice insurance and some states even require that they contribute to a state patient's compensation fund. Statutes of limitation may prevent filing once a certain amount of time has passed after the malpractice. It is important to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in medical malpractice if your baby has birth defects that may have resulted from lack of oxygen. For more information on medical malpractice, contact a qualified attorney.