Birth Injury Fund (BIF)
In the 1980s, Virginia’s physicians faced soaring medical malpractice insurance rates and insurance companies on the brink of eliminating coverage to obstetricians. To alleviate this crisis, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) sponsored legislation to establish an innovative solution. In 1987, the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program was created and was the first of its kind nationally.
The fund created a no-fault way of providing care to children who qualify based on criteria outlined by state law. Awards are exclusive, preventing a family from seeking compensation through lawsuit. The child receives a lifetime of benefits including medical, hospitalization, rehab/therapy, residential or custodial care, compensation for lost earnings, equipment, legal fees and medically necessary travel.
Resources
Virginia Birth Injury Fund (BIF) FAQs
Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program Web site
Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program (PDF)