Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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At The Child and Birth Injury Firm, we’ve spent decades helping children and families when medical malpractice injuries happen. Today, we’re talking about birth injuries right here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. You’ll learn real facts, surprising stats, and practical ways to stay safe—all in an easy-to-understand way. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and a sense of readiness. When you’re informed, you can advocate for your baby with confidence. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the well-being of our community, our neighbors, and our future. We believe that an informed parent is the best advocate a child can have.
Bethlehem is a vibrant part of the Lehigh Valley, nestled within both Lehigh and Northampton counties. Bethlehem is a community that values family and health. In Lehigh County alone, there were about 4,086 births in 2020. That’s a helpful starting point to understand the scale of what we’re discussing. Each of those births represents a new life and a new family.
Across Pennsylvania, about 1 in 10 babies (9.7%) are born early (preterm), and 1 in 12 babies (8.4%) are born with low weight. When babies are born early or are small, they are more likely to have trouble during birth. This can make birth injuries more likely to happen. These numbers are a good reminder that while most births are smooth, there are many factors that can create challenges.
Here are a few eye-openers we bet you didn’t know, and they’re crucial for any family expecting a new baby in the Bethlehem area:
In Lehigh County, 9% of babies born in 2020 were low birth weight, and 1% were very low birth weight. These numbers are important because a baby’s size at birth is a significant risk factor for certain injuries.
About 80% of new moms in the area received prenatal care early in their pregnancy, which is great—but that still leaves 20% who didn’t get early checkups. Being a bit late on prenatal care raises risks because it’s a critical time for doctors to catch potential issues.
Birth injuries aren't always reported publicly, but we know nationally about seven babies out of every 1,000 are affected. In Bethlehem, that could mean multiple families each year facing serious challenges after birth. This is a quiet reality, and it's why awareness is so important.
When babies are born too soon, too small, or with delayed care, the chance for injuries during delivery goes up—like bruising, nerve damage, or pressure-related incidents. The good news? Knowing these numbers helps families stay alert and speak up early. Being prepared isn’t about worrying; it’s about being empowered. It’s about taking control of what you can and being an active partner in your healthcare.
We want every parent to feel in charge of their baby’s health. Here’s what you can do to be your own best advocate and ensure a safe and healthy start:
Find the Best Prenatal Care "Near Me": A great pregnancy begins with great care. A simple search for "best prenatal care near me" can connect you with highly-rated, local doctors and midwives. Look for a provider who not only has excellent qualifications but also takes the time to listen to your concerns and makes you feel comfortable. Early and consistent prenatal care is crucial for monitoring your health and your baby's development, helping to identify and address potential risks before they become problems.
Ask the Right Questions During Your Pregnancy: Don't be shy about asking questions at your prenatal appointments. You are your baby's first line of defense. A great question to ask is, “Is everything tracking well with my baby’s size and growth?” This simple question shows your provider that you are an engaged and thoughtful partner in your care. You can also ask about potential risk factors, such as your baby's position, and discuss a birth plan that prioritizes safety.
Be Proactive During Labor and Delivery: Labor is a time of intense focus, but it’s also a time to stay informed. Don't hesitate to ask your care team about the monitoring process. You might say, “Is the baby’s heartbeat steady? Are we watching for any signs of distress?” Understanding what's happening and why can help you feel more in control and ensure that your care team is attentive to every detail.
Know What to Look for After Birth: Once your baby arrives, your role as their advocate continues. Pay close attention to your newborn's cues. Are they breathing steadily? Is their skin a healthy color? Are their movements strong and coordinated? Don't be afraid to voice any concerns to a nurse or doctor. New parents are often told to trust their instincts, and there's a good reason for that—you know your baby best. If something feels off, speak up immediately.
Trust Your Gut Feeling: Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent. If something feels wrong—if your gut whispers that something isn't right—say something. Doctors and nurses are professionals, but you are the parent. Your gut feeling is a valuable tool, and a good healthcare provider will always take your concerns seriously. You are an essential part of the care team, and your voice matters.
Birth injuries are real and not rare. With 7 per 1,000 babies affected, it’s something families should know about and be prepared for.
Local risk clues matter. In 2020, 9% of Bethlehem-area babies were low birth weight, and 20% of moms didn’t get early prenatal care. These are factors that can increase the risk of a birth injury.
Families can be proactive. Look for the best support Near Me, ask questions, watch your baby closely, and trust yourself. Your engagement is your baby's best protection.
We’re here to help you.Our team brings experience, real care, and local knowledge to every family we work with.
The arrival of a new baby is a moment of pure joy and hope. For families in Bethlehem and everywhere, this journey should be as safe and positive as possible. While we’ve shared some serious medical malpractice facts and statistics today, our goal is not to create fear but to build confidence. By understanding the local landscape—from birth weight statistics to the importance of early prenatal care—you are already taking the first and most crucial step toward protecting your child.
At The Child and Birth Injury Firm, we are here as a resource for you and your family. We are more than just a law firm; we are a part of your community, dedicated to helping Bethlehem families navigate the unexpected challenges that can arise. If a birth injury does occur, our compassionate and experienced team is ready to listen, offer guidance, and fight for the justice and support your family deserves. We hope this information has been helpful, and we wish you and your little one a future filled with health, happiness, and peace of mind.
This local center in Bethlehem offers a variety of support services, including groups where new parents can connect. They provide emotional wellness support and lactation services for parents struggling with the postpartum period.
Located in nearby Allentown, Easterseals is a leading organization that provides life-changing services for individuals with disabilities and their families. They offer guidance on early intervention, therapy, and family support, all of which are critical for a child with a birth injury.
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/esep/
LVHN provides a range of community outreach and support groups. While they may not have a group specifically for birth injuries, their programs for women’s health, mental wellness, and families can be incredibly beneficial for navigating the emotional challenges that come with a birth trauma. You can search for their latest offerings on their events page
Website: https://www.lvhn.org/events
This is a community-wide effort dedicated to creating a trauma-informed community, which is highly relevant for families dealing with a birth injury. They offer resources and training for parents and caregivers to help them understand and address the impact of trauma on their family’s well-being.
Website: https://resilientlehighvalley.org/
Based in the Lehigh Valley, this non-profit provides resources and hope to families with premature babies. Since many birth injuries are related to premature birth, their “Packages of Hope” and other programs can be a great source of immediate aid and support for families with a baby in the NICU.
Website: https://www.lilyshopefoundation.org/
This national organization offers a variety of free, online support groups, including a “Birth Trauma Support” group that is accessible to parents in Bethlehem. This virtual group provides a safe space to connect with others who have experienced physical or mental trauma during childbirth.
This is one of the most important distinctions to make. A birth defect is a condition that develops while the baby is in the womb, often due to genetic or environmental factors. It's generally not caused by medical negligence. In contrast, a medical malpractice birth injury is harm sustained by the baby just before, during, or just after the birthing process. These injuries are often the result of improper medical care, such as a doctor failing to monitor a baby in distress, misusing delivery tools like forceps, or delaying a necessary C-section. Our birth injury lawyers can help determine if the injury resulted from a medical mistake.
This is the central question in any potential birth injury lawsuit. It's not enough to simply have an injury; you must be able to prove that a healthcare provider acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused your child's harm. Examples of negligence may include a doctor failing to recognize signs of fetal distress, improper use of a vacuum extractor, or errors in medication. Because these cases are medically and legally complex, our birth injury lawyers will work with medical experts to review all of your family's records to establish a clear link between the medical provider's actions and the injury.
Liability in a birth injury case can be complex. While the delivering doctor is often the focus, other parties may also be held responsible. This can include:
Our experienced lawyers will investigate all parties involved to determine who may share responsibility for the injury.
The compensation in a birth injury case is meant to cover both the past and future costs of your child’s injury. This can include:
The total amount of compensation will depend on the severity of the injury and the specific needs of your child.
For most families, a birth injury lawsuit would be financially impossible without a specific fee arrangement known as a "contingency fee." A contingency fee means that you do not pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless our lawyer wins your case. If our lawyers are successful, they will then take a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement or court award. This percentage of the total recovery can vary. This fee structure allows families to pursue justice without the added burden of financial risk, as the law firm absorbs the costs of the case, including expert fees, court costs, and investigation expenses. If the case is unsuccessful, you owe your lawyer nothing.
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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