Seek Legal Help from Lehigh Valley Birth Injury Lawyers
The birth of a child should be a time of joy, celebration, and excitement for parents and families. Unfortunately, for some, complications during birth can lead to serious, often life-changing injuries to the newborn or even the mother. If you or your child has been injured due to medical negligence, it’s important to consult with an experienced team. Our birth injury lawyers in the Lehigh Valley are here to help guide you through this challenging time and advocate for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
When birth injuries occur, they can have a profound impact on your child’s life and your family’s future. Our skilled birth injury attorneys in the Lehigh Valley pride themselves on working to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence, whether it’s a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare professional. With years of experience, we are committed to helping families recover financially for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of dealing with a birth-related injury.
What is a Birth Injury Claim? Who Can File One? How Do They Work?
A birth injury claim is a legal action taken when a newborn or mother suffers harm due to the negligence, mistakes, or recklessness of medical professionals during the labor and delivery process. This can include errors made during prenatal care, delivery, or post-delivery care. In such cases, the family may have grounds to pursue a birth injury attorney in the Lehigh Valley to seek compensation for their child’s injuries.
In Pennsylvania, a Lehigh Valley birth injury lawyer can help parents pursue a claim on behalf of their child if the child was harmed during birth due to medical negligence. Additionally, in some cases, the mother may also have grounds for a separate claim if she suffered harm during the delivery, such as an undiagnosed condition or a failure to receive appropriate care.
A Lehigh Valley birth injury attorney will assess the facts of your case and determine if negligence played a role in the injury. These kinds of claims are typically filed on behalf of the child and are often handled by the child’s parents or guardians. In cases where the child is too young to file a claim on their own, the lawsuit is typically filed by the parents or a legal guardian acting on behalf of the child.
Types of Birth Injuries and Causes of Medical Negligence
There are many different types of birth injuries that can result from medical negligence. Some of the most common injuries include:
Cerebral Palsy
A neurological disorder caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, cerebral palsy can result from medical errors such as the improper use of forceps, failure to perform a C-section, or delayed response to fetal distress
Brachial Plexus Injuries
These injuries occur when the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand is damaged during delivery, often caused by excessive pulling or incorrect use of surgical tools during a difficult delivery.
Erb's Palsy
A form of brachial plexus injury that can cause paralysis in the arm, Erb’s palsy often results from shoulder dystocia, a condition where the baby’s shoulders become lodged during birth
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
This type of brain injury occurs when the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to serious cognitive and physical impairments. HIE can result from medical mistakes, such as failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate or delayed C-sections.
Fractures and Dislocations
Sometimes, during a difficult delivery, the baby may suffer fractures or dislocations, especially if the delivery involves excessive force or improper handling by medical staff.
Our skilled Lehigh Valley birth injury attorneys can help you identify the specific cause of the injury, whether it was caused by improper medical treatment, lack of supervision, or failure to follow standard procedures. By working with our expert team, you can begin the process of holding the responsible parties accountable.
Filing a claim typically begins with a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the injury. This may include reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts. A birth injury attorney in the Lehigh Valley will gather evidence to determine whether the healthcare provider’s actions or omissions contributed to the injury.
Once the evidence has been reviewed, your legal team will file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Depending on the specifics of the case, this could involve the doctor, the hospital, or other healthcare providers. In some cases, your attorney may seek a settlement outside of court, where the defendant offers compensation in exchange for resolving the case without a trial.
However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your birth injury lawyers in the Lehigh Valley will take the case to trial. In court, they will present the evidence and argue that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused your child’s injury. A successful lawsuit can result in compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care needs, which can help alleviate the financial strain caused by the injury.
Why You Need Experienced Lehigh Valley Birth Injury Lawyers
The arrival of a child is meant to be a moment of happiness and celebration. It is a time when families come together to welcome new life and create lasting memories. However, for some families, complications during childbirth can lead to unexpected, serious consequences that change everything. When medical professionals fail to uphold the standard of care, the repercussions can be severe, not only for the newborn but also for the mother. In such unfortunate circumstances, it is crucial to understand the available options for seeking justice and obtaining the necessary resources to support long-term care.
Children who suffer harm due to medical negligence may face lifelong challenges, both physically and emotionally. Their road to recovery often involves ongoing treatment, therapies, and sometimes specialized care to address the impact of the injury. For parents, this journey can feel overwhelming, as it not only affects the child but also places a tremendous burden on the entire family. Beyond the medical expenses, the emotional strain of seeing a child endure pain or disability can be unimaginable.
One of the first steps in addressing these challenges is to assess whether negligence played a role in the injury. It is essential to investigate whether there were any failures in monitoring the health of the child or mother during the delivery process. In some cases, delays in intervention, such as failure to perform a timely procedure or mismanagement of equipment, can lead to avoidable harm. These situations require careful examination, as the facts must be gathered to determine what went wrong and who may be responsible.
If it is determined that medical professionals did not meet the expected standard of care, pursuing compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and other needs arising from the incident. Financial support can relieve much of the stress associated with the injury, allowing you to focus on recovery and healing. In addition, seeking justice can help prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future, potentially protecting others from enduring the same hardship.
Support from our experienced team can make all the difference when navigating the complexities of these situations. Families need someone who can guide them through the process, ensuring they understand their rights and the options available to them. Whether it involves negotiating with insurance providers, seeking a settlement, or taking legal action, having strong guidance is essential to secure a fair outcome.
The road ahead may be difficult, but with the right support, it is possible to obtain the resources needed to care for a child’s well-being and build a future filled with hope.
Birth injury claims are some of the most complex and emotional cases that an attorney can handle. The medical and legal aspects of these cases require specialized knowledge, and it’s essential to work with Lehigh Valley birth injury attorneys who have the expertise and experience to fight for justice on your behalf.
Here are several reasons why you should hire an experienced birth injury lawyer in the Lehigh Valley:
Expert Knowledge
These kinds of claims involve complex medical concepts that require thorough understanding. A Lehigh Valley birth injury attorney will be familiar with this challenging area of law and know how to work with medical experts to strengthen your case.
Experience in Negotiation
Most cases settle outside of court. An experienced birth injury lawyer in the Lehigh Valley will know how to negotiate with insurance companies to get the best possible settlement for your family.
Maximizing Compensation
Birth injuries often require lifelong medical care and therapy. We will ensure that you receive compensation not just for the immediate costs of treatment but for future medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering as well.
Compassionate Support
Dealing with the aftermath of these injuries is difficult, especially when you are trying to balance caring for your child and managing your family’s needs. Our birth injury attorneys in the Lehigh Valley are here to provide both legal expertise and emotional support to guide you through the process.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries in the Lehigh Valley
Birth injuries can happen for many reasons, but often they are preventable if medical professionals provide appropriate care. Some common causes of birth injuries include:
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
If the baby shows signs of distress during labor (such as irregular heart rates), it’s crucial for doctors and nurses to take immediate action, such as performing a C-section. If they fail to act promptly, it can result in brain injury or death.
- Improper Use of Surgical Tools
Forceps and vacuum extraction are tools used to assist in difficult deliveries. However, mistakes when using these instruments can cause injuries such as brachial plexus injuries, fractured bones, or internal injuries.
- Delayed C-Section
In some cases, a delay in performing a C-section can lead to oxygen deprivation for the baby, causing severe brain injuries like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
- Failure to Diagnose and Treat Maternal Conditions:
If a doctor fails to diagnose or treat a maternal condition, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, it can result in complications during delivery that harm both the mother and the child.
When you work with our compassionate group of experienced professionals, we will investigate the circumstances of the birth and determine whether any of these issues contributed to the injury. If medical malpractice is found, your dedicated legal team will help you pursue justice and financial compensation.
Contact A Lehigh Valley Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If you or your child has suffered an injury due to medical negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation your family needs to secure the best possible care for your child.
Our experienced team of birth injury lawyers in the Lehigh Valley understands the complexities of these cases and will provide you with compassionate, dedicated legal representation every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Let us fight for the justice your child deserves. With our help, you can secure a brighter future for your family. Call now to speak with a team who is committed to protecting your rights and advocating on your behalf.