Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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Welcoming a new baby into the world is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a family’s life. When everything goes right, it’s a moment of pure joy. But sometimes, something goes wrong. A child can suffer a birth injury. It’s a difficult and confusing time for any family, and it often leaves parents in Pittsburgh with many questions about what happened and why.
The Medical Malpractice team at The Child Injury Firm has dedicated our careers to helping children and their families, and we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that a birth injury brings. We know how overwhelming this can be, and we want to provide some clear information to help you understand what a birth injury is and what your options are. Our goal is to be a helpful, experienced resource that you can trust.
A medical malpractice birth injury is any kind of harm or damage that a baby suffers just before, during, or right after birth. Sometimes these injuries are minor, but sometimes they can be very serious and lead to long-term health problems. Many parents wonder if the injury was just an accident or if it could have been prevented. We want to help answer that question.
When a birth injury happens, it can feel like you’re alone. But sadly, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Birth injuries affect families across the country, and Pittsburgh is no exception. With top hospitals and thousands of births each year, Pittsburgh sees its share of these heartbreaking events. For example, a recent study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that the rate of birth injury for every 1,000 live births in the United States is around 3.17, which shows how often this problem occurs. It is one of the most common causes of a newborn baby’s death in Allegheny County.
The causes of these injuries can be very complex. Sometimes, an injury is simply the result of a difficult birth. But often, it’s a sign of a mistake that could have been avoided. Medical professionals are trained to handle the stress of childbirth, and when they fail to provide the best care, it can lead to a preventable injury.
One of the most common causes of birth injuries is a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain. This is a very serious type of injury called Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). It can happen if there is a problem with the umbilical cord, or if the medical team is too slow to react to signs that the baby is in distress. For example, suppose a medical professional is too slow to order an emergency C-section when it is needed. In that case, it can cause the baby to lose oxygen and suffer a lifelong injury like cerebral palsy. We’ve found that these kinds of delays are a major problem, especially in busy hospitals.
Another common cause is the improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors. These tools can be very helpful, but if they are used improperly or with too much force, they can cause nerve damage or even fractures to the baby’s skull. An injury to a baby’s brachial plexus, a group of nerves in the neck, can cause a condition called Erb’s Palsy, where the baby loses the ability to move their arm. A study by the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics noted a decrease in this type of injury in some parts of the country, but it remains a significant concern for many families.
After a birth injury, the first and most important thing to do is to get the medical care your child needs. This might mean seeing specialists at a hospital near you or getting a second opinion. You want to make sure your child is getting the best possible treatment. After that, it is also important to take some other steps to protect your child’s rights.
First, document everything. Keep a journal of everything that happens and all the medical care your child receives. This can be very helpful later on. It’s also a good idea to get copies of all your medical records from your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This can be a lot of paperwork, but it’s crucial.
Second, seek a precise diagnosis. It’s essential to find out exactly what the injury is and what caused it. A precise diagnosis can help you understand the long-term care your child will need. For example, if the doctor gives a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, you will know that the child will need physical therapy and other types of care. A diagnosis can also help our legal team understand if the injury was preventable.
And finally, you should call the medical malpractice team of birth injury lawyers at The Child Injury Firm. We have decades of experience with birth injury cases in Pittsburgh. This might not be what you want to think about right now, but it is important to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, there are time limits for medical malpractice lawsuits, and if you wait too long, you might lose your chance to get justice for your child. A team that has been doing this for decades, like ours, can review your case and help you understand if a mistake was made. We can help you know if a mistake caused your child’s injury and what your options are for moving forward in a medical malpractice case.
At The Child Injury Firm, we believe that every child deserves a life free from preventable harm. We are dedicated to helping families who have been impacted by these difficult medical malpractice situations. We want to be a resource for you, so we can help you understand what happened and what to do next. We can help you navigate this complex process and get the resources you need for your child’s care and a better future.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you. Our team is here to listen and help you find the answers you need.Â
Birth injuries are more common than you think, and they can often be prevented. A lack of oxygen or improper use of tools can cause serious, lifelong injuries.
Your child deserves the best medical care possible. Your priority should be to get a clear diagnosis and start a treatment plan.
Documentation is key. Keep all your medical records and a journal of what happened to help build your case later on.
Don’t wait. There are time limits for filing a lawsuit in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The sooner you speak with our medical malpractice legal team that specializes in these cases, the better.
The Children’s Institute provides comprehensive support services for families with children who have special needs, including those with birth injuries. Their team offers in-home family services, therapy, and a range of programs designed to help children and families thrive. They are a valuable resource for finding a great resource near you.
UPMC Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility with dedicated programs for a wide variety of birth injuries and related conditions. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, with teams of specialists, including pediatric neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and physical therapists, all working together to create the best treatment plan for your child. They are also known for their support services, including their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Website: https://www.chp.edu/
The Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center is a great resource for families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. They offer training, information, and advocacy to help parents understand their rights and how to navigate the educational and healthcare systems. Their services can help you find a community of support.
Website: https://www.ucpcentralpa.org/
The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offers a variety of specialized pediatric rehabilitation programs designed to help children regain function and improve their quality of life after an injury. Their team provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, all aimed at helping your child meet their developmental milestones. This is a crucial step in a child’s recovery, and you can find a great resource near you to help with your child’s rehabilitation.
Website: https://www.upmc.com/services/rehab
This organization offers a range of services for medically fragile children in a warm, home-like setting. They have a pediatric specialty hospital that provides skilled nursing and therapeutic services, which can be particularly helpful for children with complex needs from birth injuries. They are known for their commitment to providing a supportive, family-centered environment.
Website: https://www.childrenshomepgh.org/
ACHIEVA is a local organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities in the Pittsburgh area. They provide lifelong support, including early intervention programs, advocacy services, and educational resources for families. They are an excellent resource for families looking for guidance and a supportive community.
Website: https://www.achieva.info/
The biggest difference is the cause. A birth defect is a condition that a baby is born with, and it usually develops while the baby is in the womb. A birth injury, on the other hand, is harm that a baby suffers just before, during, or right after birth. These injuries are often caused by a difficult delivery or, in some cases, a mistake made by a doctor or hospital staff. In Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, over 10,000 babies are born at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital each year, so it is important for families to understand the difference between these two conditions.
The legal process for a birth injury case in Pittsburgh generally has a few key steps. First, your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, which includes gathering and reviewing all of your medical records from hospitals like UPMC Children's Hospital or West Penn. Second, our team will file a formal complaint with the court. After that, both sides will engage in a process called "discovery," where they exchange information and evidence. Most cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement, but if a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to a trial where a jury will decide the outcome.
The answer to this depends on the type of injury. Some injuries, like a broken collarbone, usually heal completely with the right medical care. Other, more serious injuries, like brain damage from a lack of oxygen, can be permanent. While conditions like cerebral palsy are not curable, therapy and treatment can often help a child improve and live a fuller life. An experienced medical team in Pittsburgh can give you a clear prognosis for your child's specific injury.
If a birth injury was caused by medical negligence, a lawsuit can help a family in Pittsburgh get the financial resources they need to care for their child. Under Pennsylvania law, a family can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include money for past and future medical bills, therapy, special education, and adaptive equipment. It can also help pay for things like your child's pain and suffering and the emotional distress the family has gone through.
Technology has made a huge difference. Today, our medical malpractice legal team can use electronic health records, which provide a very detailed, minute-by-minute account of a delivery. Our lawyers can also use advanced computer models to help visualize what happened during a complicated birth. Additionally, they can analyze fetal heart rate monitor strips with specialized software to spot signs of fetal distress that may have been missed by a medical team. This technology helps to build a stronger case, making it much easier to prove that a medical mistake occurred and that a birth injury could have been prevented.
Catastrophic child and birth injuries can shatter the lives of not just the babies and children, but also their families. Families are left to navigate a complex maze of medical challenges, financial burdens, and emotional turmoil. But, this is where Jeffrey Killino and his team of dedicated lawyers can provide the support and guidance families need most.
For over 2 decades, Jeffrey Killino and his team have secured life-changing results for babies and children facing catastrophic injuries. Our clients gain access to the best medical care, financial security, and peace of mind, knowing their futures are protected.
Jeffrey Killino and his team of child and birth injury lawyers are committed to go beyond securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We measure our success by our positive impact on our clients’ lives. We’re dedicated to supporting them throughout their journey, even after their case is resolved.
Jeffrey Killino and his team of child and birth injury lawyers are committed to more than just securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We measure our success by our positive impact on our clients’ lives, helping them access the best medical care, achieve financial security, and find peace of mind. We also actively work to prevent injuries and promote safety for everyone.
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