York Birth Injury Lawyer

Bringing a new baby into the world is an amazing and hopeful time. Here in York, the community is filled with so many growing families, and the medical malpractice lawyers at The Child and Birth Injury Firm have had the honor of caring for and supporting these families for decades. We’re not just a child injury and birth injury law firm; we are a team of medical malpractice lawyers who deeply care about our community and its children.

Today, we want to talk about something important: birth injuries. Our goal isn’t to scare you, but to give you clear, caring, and helpful information. We’ll talk about what birth injuries are, how often they happen here in York, and how you can be a powerful advocate for your baby’s health from the very beginning. We’ll also focus on some of the most common types of birth injuries and what to look for, so you can feel more prepared and in control.

How Often Do Birth Injuries Happen in York, PA — and Which Risks Are Often Overlooked?

York Babies: Stats That Matter

First, let’s look at some local numbers. York County welcomed about 2,421 babies into our community in 2023. That’s a big number of new families! With so many babies, it’s a good time to remember that while most births are safe, some risks do exist.

It’s important to know that statewide, about 1 in 10 babies (9.7%) are born early (preterm), and 1 in 12 babies (8.4%) are born with a low birth weight. When babies are early or small, their bodies can be more fragile, and they are more likely to have birth injuries. Knowing this helps us understand why being prepared matters.

Facts in York Few People Talk About

Here are some important local numbers and facts many families don’t hear, but that we want to share with you:

• Low birth weight in York County is a real issue. While exact county percentages aren’t always public online right away, the statewide average of 8.4% gives us a useful benchmark. This means that a significant number of babies are born small, making them more at risk during delivery.
• York’s preterm birth rates mirror state averages, around 9–10%. This means that in York County, hundreds of babies are born before they are fully ready. A preterm baby might have a more delicate body and weaker muscles, making them more vulnerable to injury.
• Early prenatal care is so important. In Pennsylvania, about 74.5% of infants were born to mothers who got enough prenatal care early on. That still leaves over 25% of moms without the best early checkups. Missing these early appointments can mean doctors don’t spot potential problems in time.
• Infant mortality in PA is about 5.6 for every 1,000 births. Each of those little ones matters, and every birth injury affects a family in a very real way. Medical malpractice is recognized as the third leading cause of death in the United States, which highlights the importance of vigilance and quality care during childbirth.

These numbers may seem small, but in York County, they mean multiple families every year dealing with birth injuries or their difficult consequences.

Understanding the Most Common Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries

When a baby is born early or with a low birth weight, they are more at risk for a number of common birth injuries. These injuries often happen when a baby’s body is put under stress during delivery, but they can sometimes be prevented with the right medical care. Knowing what to look for can help you identify a problem early and get your child the help they need.

• Brachial Plexus Palsy (Erb’s Palsy): Erb’s Palsy is one of the most common birth injuries we see, resulting from brachial plexus nerve damage during delivery—often when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck, causing the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand to be stretched or torn. It can cause a baby’s arm to look limp or not move well. While some cases can heal on their own, a severe injury might need therapy or even surgery to heal. If there is no significant improvement after a few months of physical therapy, surgical intervention may be considered.
• Cerebral Palsy: This is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and keep their balance and posture. One of the main causes can be brain damage that happens before, during, or right after birth. A common way this can happen during delivery is if the baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen for a period of time. An experienced care team can watch for signs of distress and act quickly to prevent this kind of injury.
• Cephalohematoma: This is a collection of blood under a baby’s scalp that often shows up a few hours or a day after birth. It can feel like a soft, swollen bump. It’s usually caused by pressure on the baby’s head during delivery, especially with the use of tools like a vacuum extractor or forceps. While it often goes away on its own, it can be a sign that the delivery was difficult and that the baby should be watched carefully for other problems.
• Skull Fractures: Skull fractures are a potential birth injury that can occur when assisted delivery instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, are used during childbirth. These fractures can increase the risk of brain bleeding and spinal cord injuries, especially if medical negligence is involved.
• Bruising and Lacerations: These are common injuries that can happen during a difficult delivery. Bruises are often just a sign of pressure, but deep or severe bruising can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an internal bleed. Lacerations, or cuts, can happen if a doctor isn’t careful. While many of these are minor, they are a good reminder to be vigilant and talk to your medical team.