Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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Welcoming a new baby should be one of the most incredible moments of a family’s life. A child’s birth marks a profound and life-changing event, and when things go wrong, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. But for some families in Allentown and across Lehigh County, that joy can be replaced with a feeling of deep worry and confusion. When a child suffers a birth injury, it’s natural to have a million questions about what went wrong and what you should do next. A birth injury can have a lasting effect on a child’s life, impacting their development, well-being, and future opportunities.
At The Child Injury Firm, our team of experienced Allentown medical malpractice attorneys has dedicated decades to helping children who have been injured. We believe that a family in this situation needs clear, compassionate information they can trust. That’s why we’ve put together this guide for families in the Allentown area, so you can have a better understanding of what a birth injury is and how to protect your child’s future.
A birth injury is any kind of harm that a baby suffers just before, during, or right after birth. It’s important to know that these injuries are not the same as birth defects, which are often caused by genetics. The key difference is that a birth injury is often preventable, and birth trauma can result from medical errors during the delivery process. The good news is that there are many great doctors and major hospitals in Allentown near you, but even in the best medical facilities, mistakes can happen. If your family is facing the aftermath of a child’s birth injury, you have legal rights to seek compensation and justice for the harm caused.
Birth injuries can be life-altering, not only for the child but for the entire family. These injuries occur when a baby is harmed during the birth process, often as a result of medical negligence or errors made by healthcare providers. When medical malpractice leads to a birth injury, families are left facing uncertainty, emotional distress, and significant financial challenges. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, families affected by birth injuries can turn to experienced medical malpractice attorneys for help. Allentown birth injury lawyers are dedicated to supporting families through every step of the legal process, working to secure fair compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. If you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence, consulting with knowledgeable birth injury lawyers is a crucial first step toward protecting your child’s future and seeking justice.
If your child has a birth injury, it’s easy to feel alone. However, this is not an uncommon problem. Across Pennsylvania, a significant number of infants suffer from these types of injuries. A report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows that in Lehigh County, the infant mortality rate in 2022 was 4.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. While not all of these deaths are from birth injuries, this number highlights how serious complications can be, including severe injuries, serious birth injuries, and even catastrophic injuries that may result in lifelong disabilities. In severe cases, birth injuries can result in permanent disabilities or catastrophic outcomes that affect the child and family for life. This is a topic very few people are talking about.
Birth injuries can be caused by many different factors, but they often happen when medical professionals fail to provide the proper care during a difficult birth or complications in the delivery process. This can happen at a hospital near you, and it can be a devastating and confusing time for a family.
One of the most frequent causes is a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain. Umbilical cord issues, such as cord compression or entanglement, are common causes of oxygen deprivation. This is a very serious injury called Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and it can happen if there is an issue with the umbilical cord or if a medical team is too slow to react to signs of a baby being in distress. Oxygen deprivation can cause significant damage to the baby’s brain, leading to brain injury, developmental delays, and other neurological impairments. For instance, a doctor might wait too long to order an emergency C-section, which can cause a lack of oxygen and lead to a lifelong injury like cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects a person’s movement, posture, and motor control. Athetoid palsy, a subtype of cerebral palsy, is characterized by involuntary, slow, writhing movements and can also result from oxygen deprivation during birth.
Another common cause is improper use of medical tools. During a difficult delivery, a doctor might use tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor. If these tools are used improperly, they can cause nerve damage or even fractures. For example, facial nerve palsy can occur when excessive pressure is applied to the facial nerve during delivery. 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.
Surgical errors during delivery can also lead to serious birth injuries, resulting in complications or long-term harm to the child.
Medical professionals—including doctors, nurses, and hospital staff—play a critical role in preventing or causing these injuries. Their actions or negligence can be the difference between a safe delivery and a lifetime of challenges for your child.
The impact of birth trauma can be profound and lifelong. Children who experience birth trauma may develop conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or other serious developmental disorders. These diagnoses often require extensive medical care, ongoing therapy, and specialized educational support, placing a heavy burden on families both emotionally and financially. The uncertainty about a child’s future and the need for continuous care can be overwhelming. Allentown medical malpractice attorneys understand these challenges and are committed to guiding families through the legal process. By pursuing compensation for medical care and other related expenses, families affected by birth trauma can access the resources they need to support their child’s well-being and long-term development.
Fetal distress is a critical warning sign during labor that requires immediate attention from medical professionals. When healthcare providers fail to monitor a baby’s vital signs or respond quickly to signs of distress, the consequences can be devastating. Unaddressed fetal distress can lead to severe birth injuries, such as brain injury or spinal cord injury, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death. Families facing these heartbreaking outcomes have the right to seek justice through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Allentown birth injury lawyers are skilled at investigating cases involving negligent healthcare providers, establishing liability, and advocating for families who have suffered unimaginable loss. By holding medical professionals accountable, injury lawyers help families find answers and pursue the compensation they deserve.
After a birth injury, the first and most important thing you should do is to get the medical care your child needs. This might mean seeing specialists or getting a second opinion. You want to make sure your injured child is getting the best possible treatment for their injuries. There might be a great hospital or medical center near you that specializes in these kinds of injuries. Managing a child’s injuries often requires experienced legal and medical support to ensure proper documentation, ongoing care, and accountability. Families often face significant financial strain and mounting medical bills as they seek ongoing care for their child. 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. Be sure to note when the injury occurred, as this date is important for legal deadlines. 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 clear diagnosis. It’s crucial to find out exactly what the injury is and what caused it. A clear diagnosis can help you understand the long-term care your child will need. A study in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine found that a significant portion of birth injuries are preventable, and getting a diagnosis can help a legal team understand if a mistake was made. Understanding the cause of your child’s birth injury is essential for holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
And finally, you should contact our trusted medical malpractice legal team that is experienced in birth injury cases. This might not be what you want to think about right now, but it is essential to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, there are time limits for filing medical malpractice lawsuits, and if you wait too long, you might lose your chance to get justice for your child. Our team has been doing this for decades and can review your case and help you understand if a mistake was made, if it is considered medical malpractice, and if that mistake caused your child’s injury, and what your options are. We handle medical malpractice cases involving a child’s birth injury and can help you pursue legal claims against negligent healthcare providers. Our medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping families secure compensation and achieve a fair settlement for the harm suffered.
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 situations and whose lives have been negatively affected. 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 medical malpractice team is here to listen and help you find the answers you need.
Navigating the legal process after a birth injury can feel overwhelming, especially when your family is already coping with the emotional and financial impact of your child’s injuries. In Allentown and throughout Lehigh County, families affected by medical malpractice deserve clear guidance and strong advocacy. Understanding how birth injury claims work can help you make informed decisions and ensure your child’s future is protected.
The first step in any birth injury case is determining whether medical malpractice occurred. This means reviewing your child’s medical records in detail and consulting with medical experts who can identify if a medical provider failed to meet the accepted medical standard of care. To establish a medical malpractice claim, it must be proven that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the injury. Medical negligence can take many forms, from delayed responses to fetal distress to improper handling during delivery, and it’s crucial to have experienced medical malpractice attorneys evaluate your case.
If there is evidence that medical malpractice led to your child’s birth injury—such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury, or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy—your legal team will help you file a medical malpractice claim against the responsible healthcare providers. Allentown birth injury lawyers offer free consultations to help families understand their options and the strength of their case. These birth injury attorneys are skilled at gathering evidence, working with medical experts, and building a compelling case to establish liability.
The legal process may involve negotiating with insurance companies or, if necessary, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit to litigate birth injury cases in court. While this process can be lengthy, having a dedicated law firm on your side means you have advocates fighting for fair compensation for your child’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs. Compensation from a successful birth injury lawsuit can also cover educational costs and therapy, ensuring your child has access to the resources they need for a better quality of life. The legal process is designed to secure the necessary resources to support your child’s life and long-term well-being, addressing the lasting impact that birth injuries can have on every aspect of a child’s life. Your legal team will handle the complexities of the case, allowing you to focus on your injured child’s recovery and well-being.
Pennsylvania law sets specific time limits—known as the statute of limitations—for filing medical malpractice claims, so it’s important to act quickly. The standard deadline to file a birth injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. However, the law provides a crucial protection for minors called tolling. Tolling essentially pauses the deadline until the child reaches the age of majority (18 years old). This means that, for the child’s claim, the two-year clock often does not officially begin until their 18th birthday, giving the family much more time to fully understand the lifelong consequences of the injury. An experienced legal team will ensure this tolling provision is correctly applied, that all deadlines are met, and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will also explain your options for settlement or trial, always working toward the best possible outcome for your family.
In addition to birth injury cases, many medical malpractice attorneys also handle other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, truck accidents, nursing home neglect, and wrongful death. No matter the cause, families affected by serious injuries deserve justice and fair compensation.
If your child has suffered injuries due to medical errors or negligence, you do not have to face this journey alone. Allentown birth injury lawyers at The Child Injury Firm are committed to helping families seek justice, establish liability, and secure the resources needed for a child’s lifelong care. With a compassionate legal team working on a contingency fee basis, you can pursue your claim without upfront costs and with confidence that your family’s future is in capable hands. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your child’s life and future.
When it comes to medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania, time is of the essence. The law generally allows only two years from the date of the injury or the discovery of the injury to file a claim. However, special rules may apply in cases involving minors, which can extend the deadline. It is essential for families to consult with an Allentown medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected. Waiting too long can mean losing the opportunity to pursue compensation for your child’s birth injury. An experienced legal team can help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and take prompt action to preserve your claim.
Determining who is responsible for a child’s birth injury is a critical part of any medical malpractice case. Liability can extend to a range of parties, including individual healthcare providers such as obstetricians, nurses, and anesthesiologists, as well as hospitals and medical facilities. Negligent healthcare providers who fail to meet the accepted medical standard of care can be held accountable for the harm they cause. Additionally, hospitals may be liable for inadequate staffing, poor training, or faulty equipment. Allentown birth injury lawyers have the experience to thoroughly investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and build a strong claim for compensation. By working with dedicated injury lawyers, families can ensure that those responsible for their child’s injuries are held to account and that their child’s needs are met now and in the future.
LVHN offers comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation services for children of all ages. Their team provides a range of therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which are crucial for a child with a birth injury. They have multiple locations in Allentown and the surrounding area, making it convenient to find a great resource near you.
Based in Allentown, Good Shepherd is a nationally recognized leader in rehabilitation care for people with physical disabilities. They offer specialized programs and a wide range of therapies to help a child regain skills and improve their quality of life. They also host support groups to help families cope with the challenges of living with a disability.
Website: https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/
LVCIL is a local organization that helps people with disabilities live independently. They offer a parent support group that provides monthly training and a peer mentorship program to connect you with other parents who have lived through similar experiences. This is a great resource if you are looking for the best support from people who truly understand what you are going through.
Website: https://lvcil.org/
Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive pediatric behavioral health program. They provide counseling and support to help families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that can come with a birth injury diagnosis. This is an important resource for a family looking for the best support to help with their emotional health.
Easterseals is a non-profit that provides essential services for children with special needs. They offer early intervention programs, support groups for caregivers, and a wide range of educational and therapeutic services. Their local office in Allentown is a valuable resource for families looking for guidance and support.
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/esep/
What is the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect in Allentown?
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. With top hospitals like Lehigh Valley and St. Luke’s University Health Network delivering thousands of babies in the area each year, it is important for families to understand the difference between these two conditions.
What are some of the most common causes of birth injuries in Allentown?
Based on our medical malpractice experience, many birth injuries are caused by a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, improper use of delivery tools like forceps, or a delayed C-section. When a doctor fails to act quickly in a difficult delivery, a baby can be deprived of oxygen, which can cause a serious and lifelong injury.
What does it cost to raise a child with a birth injury in Allentown?
Raising a child with a serious birth injury can be a huge financial burden. In Allentown and across Lehigh County, the costs can be staggering, often reaching into the multi millions of dollars over a child’s lifetime. A birth injury lawsuit can help a family get the financial resources they need to care for their child.
What are some of the signs of a birth injury that parents in Allentown might see?
A birth injury can cause a wide range of symptoms. Parents might notice that their baby has trouble feeding, a limp arm, or seems to have a hard time moving one side of their body. These could be signs of nerve damage or other serious injuries. Because of these concerns, parents often turn to specialists at local hospitals to find the best answers and diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis is crucial because a study by the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows that Lehigh County has a higher rate of both preterm and low birth weight babies compared to the state average, which are factors that can increase the risk of a birth injury.
How has technology changed the way birth injury cases are handled in Allentown?
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 in Allentown, PA.
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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