Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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The medical malpractice team here at The Child and Birth Injury Firm has cared about children and families in Erie, PA, for decades. We know how important it is for parents to learn about things like birth injuries in a kind, clear way—but some facts can surprise even longtime locals. How common are birth injuries around here? What do families need to watch for? And why should we pay attention?
A birth injury is any harm that a baby suffers during the labor and delivery process. This isn’t just a simple scrape or bruise; we’re talking about more serious things that can change a child’s life forever. Sometimes, these injuries are unavoidable, but other times, they happen because something went wrong that could have been prevented. We’re talking about medical mistakes that can cause lifelong issues for a child and their family.
Let’s start with Erie… The numbers tell a story about the health of our community.
Between 2014 and 2016, there were 9,346 babies born in Erie County. That’s a lot of little ones! Most of those births were to mothers aged 20 to 34, which is a very common age to have a baby. But here’s a number not many people talk about: 66 infants died in Erie between 2020 and 2022. That’s an infant mortality rate of 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is a bit higher than the state average during that same period. That number matters because infant deaths can sometimes be linked to the same problems that cause birth injuries, like issues with the pregnancy or problems during delivery.
Why Erie’s Birth Injury Numbers Matter. When our medical malpractice team talks about birth injuries, we don’t always have Erie-specific birth injury stats because the state doesn’t publish a count of birth injuries at the county level. But we do know that nationally, about seven babies per 1,000 experience a birth injury.
That might not sound like a lot—but imagine an Erie with over 2,600 births a year. That means dozens of families right here could experience a birth injury every year. Some of those injuries may tie to preterm birth, low birth weight, or lack of early prenatal care—all local stats that help paint a picture.
Here are some important numbers that many people overlook, but they can tell us a lot about birth risks in the Erie community.
These numbers matter because birth injuries happen more often when babies come early, weigh little, or when the birth doesn’t go smoothly. The stats show us where the natural risk is higher in Erie—especially among very low-birth-weight babies, or when prenatal care is delayed. Victims of birth injuries often face significant medical bills as a result of these complications.
Birth injuries can happen at any stage—during pregnancy, labor, or delivery—and often result from a combination of complicated circumstances, medical negligence, or even clear-cut medical malpractice. Understanding the most common types of birth injuries can help families in Erie, PA, recognize when something may have gone wrong and when it’s time to seek help.
Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
If your child suffers a birth injury, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Legal considerations for a child’s birth injury include understanding the statutes of limitations for filing a claim and being aware of any compensation caps that may limit the damages you can recover. An experienced injury lawyer can help you determine whether medical malpractice or negligence played a role, guide you through the process of filing a birth injury lawsuit, and fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. In Erie, PA, there are dedicated legal teams ready to provide a free case review and help you understand your options.
Remember, Pennsylvania law places strict limitations on how long you have to file a claim. This is especially important in medical malpractice claims, where damages and filing deadlines are strictly regulated. Acting quickly ensures your family has the best chance to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. With the right legal support, you can protect your child’s future, hold medical professionals accountable, and get the financial support needed for ongoing care and treatment. If you believe your child was injured due to medical malpractice, don’t wait—consult an experienced birth injury attorney in Erie, PA, today.
The medical malpractice team at The Child and Birth Injury Firm wants families to know the basics, in plain talk:
A medical malpractice birth injury is not something that just happens. It’s often the result of a chain of events. Maybe a doctor didn’t notice a baby was in distress, or maybe they didn’t act quickly enough when a problem came up. For example, if a baby’s brain isn’t getting enough oxygen during delivery, a doctor needs to act fast to prevent a brain injury like cerebral palsy. We have seen many cases where a brain injury could have been prevented if a doctor had just paid closer attention or had done a C-section sooner. In these cases, it must be determined whether negligence occurred and who is at fault, often by working with medical experts and accident investigators. The timing of when the injury occurred can also affect legal claims and filing deadlines.
Here’s what your neighbors aren’t always talking about—simple steps that can really help:
When a child suffers a birth injury due to medical malpractice, time is of the essence for families in Erie, PA. Acting quickly is not just about peace of mind—it’s about protecting your legal rights and ensuring your child receives the financial support and medical treatment they need for a brighter future.
In Pennsylvania, the law sets strict limitations—known as the statute of limitations—on how long you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. While the standard deadline is generally two years from the date the injury occurred or was discovered, there is a crucial exception for children: tolling for minors. This legal principle pauses the two-year deadline for the child’s own injury claim until they reach the age of 18. This means the child typically has until their 20th birthday to file a claim. Because the application of tolling can be complicated and the parents’ separate claim for past expenses may still face the shorter two-year deadline, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable birth injury attorney as soon as you suspect medical negligence or malpractice may have played a role in your child’s injury.
Delaying action can have serious consequences. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to recover compensation for medical bills, ongoing therapy, surgery, and other life-altering expenses. Birth injuries such as broken bones, cerebral palsy, and birth trauma often require years of specialized care, and the costs can quickly become overwhelming—even in a community like Erie, where the cost of living is lower than the national average. Medical expenses, lost wages, and the need for adaptive equipment or long-term support can place a heavy burden on families.
By acting quickly, you give your legal team the best chance to build a strong case. An experienced birth injury attorney will review your medical records, consult with medical professionals, and determine whether medical personnel failed to provide the standard of care your child deserved. They’ll work to uncover exactly how the injury occurred, whether during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, and identify all parties responsible for the harm.
It’s also important to be aware of the common types of birth injuries that can result from medical malpractice—such as broken bones, brain injuries, and other complications that can lead to lifelong challenges or even death. Holding medical professionals accountable not only helps your family recover compensation, but also protects other children from similar harm in the future.
The process of filing a medical malpractice claim can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The right legal team will guide you every step of the way, offering a free consultation to help you determine the best course of action for your family. With their support, you can focus on your child’s recovery while they fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Remember, every day counts when it comes to birth injury cases in Erie, PA. Don’t wait—consult with our experienced birth injury attorneys as soon as possible to protect your rights, your child’s future, and your family’s financial security. Reach out to our team for a free case review and take the first step toward justice and healing.
Our medical malpractice team has helped families for decades. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and interests at every stage of the legal process. We’ve seen how quickly things can go wrong—but we’ve also seen how families who know their rights—and act early—can protect their child’s future. Our attorneys work to build a strong case for each client, aiming to secure full compensation for all losses, including medical expenses, lost opportunities, and long-term care needs.
Birth injuries happen more than people think: About 7 per 1,000 babies nationally—and dozens likely in Erie every year.
Prematurity, low weight, and delayed prenatal care raise risks: Erie has a higher rate of preterm births and low-birth-weight babies than the state average.
Early action and awareness can help: It’s crucial to monitor your baby’s health, get early prenatal care, and ask questions.
We’re here to help: If something happened, our team can talk you through the next steps.
Our experienced team at The Child and Birth Injury Firm has decades of experience, and we know families in Erie trust us to speak clearly, kindly, and with real expertise. Any family member or victim of a birth injury can reach out to us for support and guidance. Helping you understand these birth injury risks—that’s what truly matters.
This is the central hub for Early Intervention (EI) services in Erie for children aged birth to three. ECCM provides free evaluations and connects families with the right therapists and programs
Website: https://www.eccm.org/
The Barber National Institute offers a highly-regarded “Bright Beginning Early Intervention Program.” They have a team of specialists who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities
Website: https://www.barberinstitute.org/
This center provides a wide range of therapeutic services for children up to age 21. Their pediatric team specializes in treating conditions like cerebral palsy and other birth-related neurological issues
Website: https://www.achievementctr.org/
This is a local practice in Erie that provides specialized pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They use a team-based approach to help children with a variety of movement and communication challenges.
Website: https://niagaratherapyllc.com/
While the main hospital is in Pittsburgh, UPMC Children’s has specialty care locations in Erie, which allow families to access top-tier pediatric specialists and services without having to travel for every appointment.
Website: https://www.chp.edu/locations/
Given that Erie County has a higher preterm birth rate than the state average, what are the specific birth injuries most associated with premature babies born here?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Erie County’s preterm birth rate (babies born before 37 weeks) has been slightly higher than the state average. This is a crucial statistic because premature babies are at a much greater risk for certain birth injuries, even when a delivery is handled flawlessly. One of the most common and severe issues is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), which is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. Another common injury is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is bleeding in the brain. IVH can range from minor to severe, with the most severe cases potentially leading to cerebral palsy or other long-term disabilities.
Erie County has a C-section rate of around 37.9%. How does the high use of C-sections in local hospitals relate to the risk of birth injuries, and what specific risks should families be aware of?
While C-sections can save lives and prevent many birth injuries, they are not without risks. A high C-section rate, like the one in Erie County, can indicate a number of things. It may mean doctors are acting cautiously to prevent injury, or it could suggest that medical teams are not skilled at managing certain high-risk vaginal deliveries. A common risk with C-sections is delayed intervention. If a doctor waits too long to perform a C-section when a baby is in distress, it can lead to a lack of oxygen, causing brain damage. Conversely, an unnecessary C-section carries its own risks, including potential injuries to the baby from surgical tools.
When a birth injury is caused by something other than medical negligence, such as a genetic issue, what resources are available in Erie for families to get help and support?
It is a common misconception that all medical malpractice birth injuries are due to medical negligence. While negligence is a factor in many cases, some injuries are a result of complex medical conditions. When a birth injury is genetic or developmental, it’s critical to connect with support networks right away. In Erie, resources like the Erie County Care Management (ECCM) and the Barber National Institute are invaluable. These organizations specialize in early intervention and can provide free evaluations and a range of therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They also connect families with support groups and educational resources to help them navigate their child’s condition.
In Erie, where the population has specific health challenges like higher rates of obesity, what role do these maternal health factors play in the risk for birth injuries like shoulder dystocia?
Erie County has a higher rate of obesity compared to the state average. Obesity in mothers is a significant risk factor for a number of birth complications, including shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulders get stuck in the birth canal after the head has been delivered. This requires a doctor to perform specific maneuvers to free the baby. If a doctor uses too much force or fails to perform the correct maneuvers, it can lead to a brachial plexus injury like Erb’s palsy, which causes nerve damage to the baby’s arm. This is a direct example of how a common health issue in the community can increase the risk of a specific type of birth injury if not managed with proper care.
With medical staffing shortages being a nationwide problem, how might this impact the quality of care and the risk of birth injuries in Erie hospitals like UPMC Hamot or Saint Vincent Hospital?
Medical staffing shortages can have a direct and serious impact on patient care, especially during labor and delivery. While no public data specifically links staffing levels at local Erie hospitals to medical malpractice birth injuries, we can draw from national trends. When hospitals are understaffed, nurses may be responsible for more patients than they can safely manage. This can lead to missed signs of fetal distress or a delayed response to an emergency.
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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