Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
When your newborn is admitted to the NICU, the experience can be overwhelming. You’re met with unfamiliar equipment, medical terms you’ve never heard before, and emotional ups and downs you didn’t expect. For families in Tulsa and across Oklahoma, a NICU stay can come with many questions—especially if the admission followed a complicated birth or suspected injury.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to expect, how to care for yourself and your baby during this time, and when to consider speaking with a birth injury lawyer.
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a specialized hospital unit designed to care for newborns who need close monitoring and treatment. About 10 to 15 percent of babies in the
U.S. spend time in a NICU, often due to:
Some babies are there for a few days. Others need weeks or months of care. Every case is different, but the emotional toll is often similar—parents feel helpless, scared, and uncertain.
Roughly 1 in 10 babies born in the U.S. require NICU care—many due to complications that may involve medical oversight. – CDC, 2023
Each hospital sets its policies for the NICU. In Tulsa, for example, hospitals like Saint Francis or Hillcrest may limit the number of visitors allowed, the hours parents can stay, and the way siblings are introduced to newborns.
Most units require strict hygiene practices to protect vulnerable infants. That means washing your hands before entering, wearing a gown or mask, and staying home if you feel unwell.
It’s essential to understand the expectations so you can be part of your baby’s care without added stress.
Parental involvement in NICU care—including skin-to-skin holding, feeding, and asking questions—has been shown to improve infant outcomes.
Even if your baby is connected to machines, your presence matters. Many NICUs encourage what’s known as kangaroo care—skin-to-skin contact that helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and heartbeat.
You can also assist with feedings, diaper changes, and other daily care tasks. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Asking questions and learning how things work can help you feel more confident and connected.
NICU nurses and doctors are there to answer your questions. Write them down as you think of them and ask during your visits.
It’s easy to forget your own needs when your baby is in intensive care. But caring for yourself is just as important as being there for your child.
Talk to someone. That might be your spouse, a friend, a hospital social worker, or a therapist. Many parents feel guilt or anxiety—even when nothing is in their control.
Sleep, hydration, and food often fall low on your list. Try to keep a routine, even if it’s a simple one. And don’t be afraid to take short breaks from the NICU.
There are also support organizations that provide guidance and community, such as:
NICU care can cost families tens of thousands of dollars, especially when long-term therapies or surgeries are required. – Health Affairs Journal.
Some NICU stays happen because of mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These are known as birth injuries, and they may be preventable.
Medical errors that may lead to birth injuries include:
In Oklahoma, medical malpractice claims for children are often allowed until the child is seven years old. That gives families time to assess how the injury affects their child’s development.
In Oklahoma, medical malpractice claims involving minors generally must be filed within seven years of the date of injury. – Title 12 OK Stat § 12-96 (2020)
If your child’s condition might have been avoidable, Talking to a birth injury attorney might help you understand your rights.
NICU Diagnosis | Often Linked Medical Event | Legal Relevance |
| Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) | Delayed C-section or fetal monitoring failure | Potential medical malpractice |
| Cerebral Palsy | Oxygen deprivation during labor | Investigate labor management errors |
| Brachial Plexus Injury | Forceful use of forceps/vacuum delivery | Tool misuse or delivery negligence |
| Infections (e.g., sepsis) | Failure to screen/treat maternal infection | Missed diagnosis |
| Skull fractures | Difficult delivery or tool misuse | Improper extraction |
Start with daily progress, upcoming tests, feeding plans, and any changes in medications. Ask how you can participate and support your baby’s development.
Yes. Most parents experience anxiety, confusion, and fear. It’s essential to seek support, express your feelings, and make time for self-care.
If there were complications during labor (like delayed interventions or unaddressed distress signals), it might be worth speaking with a birth injury attorney to evaluate medical records.
Yes. Even if your child shows improvement, a legal claim may be necessary to cover long-term care, therapies, or delayed symptoms from the injury.
In many cases, families have up to seven years from the date of injury if the child was a minor at the time. Legal timelines can vary, so early consultation is advised.
Ask the hospital about its social work services, sibling visitation policies, and overnight accommodations. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network or ask for help when needed.
The NICU can feel like another world—one filled with uncertainty, hope, fear, and resilience. Parents carry a heavy emotional load, mainly when the NICU stay follows a complicated birth or suspected injury. It’s essential to stay informed, stay engaged, and prioritize your well-being.
If you believe medical negligence may have contributed to your child’s NICU admission, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you explore the facts. We have experience handling birth injury cases and helping Oklahoma families understand their options.
Please make an appointment for a free consultation with GRAVES MACLAIN INJURY LAWYERS right now to find out how they can support your future.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
