About

Effective Representation of Children & Families Affected by Avoidable Injuries

The Birth Injury Lawyers’ Alliance of Canada (BILA) was formed in 2016 by a group of lawyers from across Canada with considerable experience in birth injury cases to promote the effective representation of children and families affected by avoidable injuries occurring at or around the time of birth. The founding members of BILA practice law in every Province and Territory in Canada, with the exception of Quebec.

BILA lawyers have largely dedicated their professional lives to representing the children and families suffering avoidable birth injury. We recognize that these are complex, heart-wrenching and challenging cases.

Complex Legal Issues

Birth injury cases pose unique challenges to lawyers acting for affected children and their families. Elsewhere on this website there is a detailed explanation about how these claims must be proved. The discussion is about proving a breach of the standard of care and causation – both issues to be addressed by medical expert evidence. The medical evidence needed to prove these cases is particularly challenging in that it is both complex and always changing or evolving. To properly pursue these cases, the lawyer must be familiar with and current on the evolving medical literature – something BILA lawyers continuously collaborate on.

Collective Knowledge & Experience

In a sense, every client, no matter who their particular BILA lawyer is, will benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of all the members of BILA. There is a considerable benefit to having access to this impressive depth and breadth of experience.

BILA lawyers share access to legal and medical resources to ensure that all their birth injury clients receive the highest quality representation and the most current information needed to effectively prosecute these difficult cases. Regular communication and contact between the members of BILA is intended to maintain competency in acting in these matters.

From time to time, BILA will hold educational meetings or seminars for lawyers, health professionals and families affected by birth trauma. As well, BILA lawyers will make themselves available to present at educational meetings organized by other legal groups, health care providers and organizations involved in promoting the interests of affected children.

BILA members also write regularly on topics of interest to families affected by birth injuries, lawyers and health care professionals. Helpful information on a variety of topics is regularly posted to the BILA website.

Available to Discuss the Potential Merit of Your Claim

BILA lawyers are easily accessible by phone or email to discuss enquiries from families and lawyers about the potential merit of any claim.

Separate & Distinct Legal Practices

BILA lawyers maintain their separate and distinct legal practices in the Provinces in which they reside and practice. They are not partners and are not associated in any other way than that described above. When you are represented by a BILA lawyer, your solicitor client relationship is with that BILA lawyer and the law firm in which he or she practices. You will not be represented by any other BILA lawyer. When you retain a BILA lawyer any fee arrangement is with that particular lawyer and his or her law firm. No other BILA lawyer outside that particular firm will participate directly in your case or receive any remuneration.

Education & Collaboration for Justice

The Birth Injury Lawyers Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation. Its goals are to educate and collaborate to ensure that children suffering from birth trauma get capable and informed lawyers. BILA seeks to facilitate access to justice for these children.

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Canadian Birth Injury Law Blog

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 Denmark’s University of Copenhagen analyzed nearly 190,000 mother-child pairs during this study and found that women who took aspirin at […]

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 […]

Forceps Deliveries Cause Trauma to Mothers and Babies

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 Child’s Claim?

Many parents of children injured at birth are surprised to learn the length of time that they have to start a legal claim on behalf of their child. In most provinces, the limitation period is suspended while the child is a minor, after which a 2-year limitation period typically applies from the date medical treatment […]

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 […]