Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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We know that bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting, hopeful, and sometimes nervous time. Our goal today is simple: we want to share some important facts about birth injuries in the Lancaster community—in plain, caring words that are easy to understand. We’ll talk about real numbers, the things people often miss, and simple ways you can feel more confident and prepared. This isn’t about being scared; it’s about being ready and knowing how to be the best possible advocate for your baby.
Lancaster Babies: Numbers That Matter
First, let’s look at some local numbers that show just how much our community is growing. According to data from 2022, Lancaster County had the highest birth rate in all of Pennsylvania, with around 12.7 births for every 1,000 people. To put that in perspective, the state average was about 10.1 births per 1,000 people. This means that a lot of babies are arriving in Lancaster—and with so many new families, it’s essential for us to talk about birth-related risks and how to stay safe.
When we think about birth injuries, it’s helpful to understand that some babies are more at risk. Babies who are born early (preterm) or with a very low birth weight often need more medical attention and are more likely to face challenges during or after delivery. It’s a simple fact of biology: a smaller, less-developed baby can be more fragile. Knowing these numbers can help you have a conversation with your doctor about your own baby’s specific needs.
Local Stats You Don’t Hear About Often
Here are some sobering numbers that few people talk about, but they are crucial for every parent in Lancaster to know. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real families and real babies.
Low birth weight: In Lancaster County, about 6.5% of babies are born with a low birth weight. That number is actually lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 8.4%, which is great news for our community. However, 6.5% is still significant, and it means that hundreds of babies born in Lancaster each year are more vulnerable to health issues.
Preterm births: Preterm births make up around 8.5% of all births in Lancaster. While this is lower than the state's average of 9.7%, it still means that nearly one in every twelve babies born here arrives early.
A quiet but important story in the numbers: There are some wide gaps in preterm birth rates across different racial groups, and it’s something that deserves our attention. For example, in 2023, preterm births were highest among Hispanic infants at 11.5%, followed by Black infants at 11.0%. The rate was 9.8% for Asian/Pacific Islander babies and was lowest for White infants at 7.6%. These numbers tell us that some communities face a higher risk than others, and they highlight the need for all families to have access to the best prenatal care and support possible.
When babies are born too soon or too small, they’re more likely to have injuries like bruises, nerve damage, oxygen deprivation, or pressure-related trauma during delivery. These injuries are often connected to the stress a baby’s body can go through during labor and delivery. The good news is that knowing these numbers helps you stay alert and feel empowered to ask essential questions.
Even though these percentages may seem small, when we look at the thousands of babies born in Lancaster County every year, these numbers add up. This means that dozens of families could face birth injuries every single year. It’s a quiet reality that most people don’t talk about, and it’s why we’re sharing this information with you now.
Being prepared isn’t about worrying all the time; it’s about being proactive. It’s about knowing your baby’s unique risk factors and working with your healthcare team to make sure every precaution is taken. The most valuable tool you have is knowledge, and knowing these numbers helps you stay alert and speak up when it matters most.
We want every parent to feel in charge of their baby’s health. Here’s how you can be your own best advocate and ensure a safe and healthy start for your little one.
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers at The Child and Birth Injury Firm have a deep understanding of why early action is critical in these sensitive cases. Our decades of experience have shown us that catching a birth injury early is not just about legal strategy; it’s about giving your child the best possible chance at a healthy future. An early diagnosis can lead to timely interventions like physical therapy, specialized care, and adaptive equipment, which can dramatically improve a child’s long-term outcome. Without this early, aggressive care, a child may not reach their full potential.
This is why the role of an experienced medical malpractice birth injury lawyer is so crucial. A lawyer who specializes in these cases knows exactly what to look for and when to act. We work quickly to preserve key evidence, such as medical records and fetal monitoring strips, before they can be lost or altered. We have established relationships with top medical experts who can review your case and determine if a doctor’s or nurse’s actions—or lack of action—caused your child’s injury. This expertise is essential because proving negligence is a complex legal challenge that requires a precise understanding of both medicine and the law.
We also believe in being a comprehensive resource for our community. While we are a law firm, our commitment extends to connecting families with the support they need to start their journey.
Birth injuries aren’t rare: With around 8–9% of babies in Lancaster County born early or small, some are at a higher risk for injury. Knowing these numbers is the first step toward prevention.
Local risks matter: Lancaster’s low birth weight and preterm rates are slightly lower than state averages, but still significant. Awareness of these factors can help you and your doctor plan for a safe delivery.
You can be proactive: Families benefit from asking proactive questions during pregnancy and labor. Knowing the signs of a healthy newborn and trusting your instincts are your most valuable tools.
"Best" care options "Near Me" can help: Finding good local resources early—from prenatal care to childbirth classes—makes a huge difference in your journey.
We’re here for you: Our team at The Child and Birth Injury Firm brings trusted expertise and real support for Lancaster families. We are here not only to help with legal matters but also to serve as a resource for our community.
We hope this helps you feel both seen and empowered. The journey of parenthood is a wonderful one, and by working together as a community, we can make it as safe and joyful as possible. We’re here to support you in real, local ways.
This center in Lancaster offers a wide range of pediatric therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, for children with developmental challenges.
Website: https://www.schreiberpediatric.org
Located nearby in Allentown, Easterseals provides essential early intervention services, therapy, and support for families of children with disabilities, making them a great starting point for navigating care.
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/esep/
A national organization with a presence in Pennsylvania, the March of Dimes offers extensive resources for families with newborns who have health issues, including those related to birth injuries and prematurity.
Website: https://www.marchofdimes.org/
As a world-renowned facility, CHOP is a critical resource for families in the region who need specialized care for complex birth injuries and neurological conditions.
Website: https://www.chop.edu
This organization offers virtual support groups for parents who have experienced birth trauma, providing a confidential space to connect with others and find emotional support.
An experienced birth injury law firm can be a valuable resource. They help families determine if a birth injury was caused by medical negligence and can work to secure the long-term financial support needed for a child’s care.
This is the most crucial question. A birth defect is a condition, often genetic or developmental, that occurs before a baby is born. For example, a baby born with a heart problem or a missing limb from a chromosomal issue has a birth defect. A birth injury is an injury that happens during or just after labor and delivery due to a healthcare provider's actions or a lack of action. This could be anything from a doctor improperly using forceps, causing nerve damage, to a nurse failing to monitor fetal distress, leading to oxygen deprivation. Our experienced birth injury lawyer's first job is to investigate your case with medical experts to determine if the injury was a preventable birth injury caused by negligence.
A birth injury can have a wide range of effects, from bruises that heal quickly to serious, lifelong conditions. You should always watch your child for signs that something is wrong, especially as they grow. Some things to look for that might be a sign of a serious problem are developmental delays (like not sitting up or crawling on time), poor muscle control, or unusual movements. This is a crucial step in Pennsylvania, as a clear diagnosis can help our legal team understand if the injury was caused by medical negligence.
This is a common and very valid fear. It's important to know that most birth injury cases are settled outside of court, so you won't necessarily have to go through a dramatic trial. The process is a legal way of holding a hospital or doctor accountable for a mistake so that your child's needs can be met. Our Birth Injury Lawyers will handle all communication and legal filings, so you don't have to face the hospital or doctors directly. Their job is to manage the legal "fight" so you can focus on caring for your child.
Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations, which is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury claims, including medical malpractice, the deadline is two years from the date the injury occurred. However, for a minor, the rules are different. The statute of limitations for a birth injury case in Pennsylvania generally does not begin until the child's 18th birthday, giving you until they are 20 years old to file a lawsuit. However, it's crucial not to wait. Gathering evidence and consulting with medical experts takes a lot of time. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better they can build a strong case for your child.
This is a top concern for any family. The vast majority of birth injury lawyers, including our team in Lancaster, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully win your case, either through a settlement or a verdict. The cost is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final compensation you receive, typically between 33% and 40%. This arrangement allows families to pursue justice without the financial risk of paying for a lawyer, expert witnesses, and court costs. If the case is unsuccessful, you owe them 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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