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Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries in Lakewood, NJ: What Families Need to Know

In Lakewood, New Jersey, Childbirth Is Central to Community Life

In Lakewood, New Jersey, childbirth is more than a milestone—it’s a defining feature of the community. With one of the highest birth rates in the entire country, Lakewood records more than 6,000 births annually, far surpassing other towns of similar size. In fact, according to New Jersey state health data, Lakewood’s birth rate is nearly double the statewide average, making it a standout both in Ocean County and across the state.

What many don’t realize, however, is that Lakewood’s rapid population growth also creates unique healthcare challenges. For example, state data shows that in Ocean County:

  • Nearly 10% of births are preterm, slightly above the national average, which increases risks of oxygen deprivation and related neurological injuries.

  • Low birth weight occurs in 8.2% of local deliveries, a factor closely tied to higher rates of developmental complications.

  • Fewer than 65% of mothers begin prenatal care in the first trimester, well below the state average. Delayed prenatal care is a hidden but critical risk factor—and one that significantly raises the likelihood of preventable complications.

While most births proceed without incident, these lesser-known figures highlight why vigilance is so essential. When doctors, nurses, or hospitals in Lakewood fail to meet accepted medical standards, the results can be devastating. Errors such as overlooking fetal distress or delaying an emergency C-section can leave children with permanent injuries and families with emotional and financial burdens that last a lifetime.

At The Child Injury Firm, we have stood with countless New Jersey families who were left with painful questions after a preventable mistake. Beyond the staggering medical bills, parents are forced to cope with the daily reality of raising a child whose injuries could, and should, have been avoided.

Why Families in Lakewood Face Higher Childbirth Risks

Lakewood’s maternity trends look very different from those in many other New Jersey towns, creating a unique set of risks for expectant families:

  • Unmatched Birth Volume: With over 6,000 babies delivered every year, Lakewood accounts for a disproportionately large share of Ocean County’s newborns. This concentration places immense pressure on local hospitals and healthcare systems.

  • Shorter Spacing Between Pregnancies: Many families welcome multiple children within a short timeframe. While joyful, closer intervals between births increase maternal and neonatal risks such as preterm labor and complications during delivery.

  • Strain on Healthcare Resources: Even well-trained providers can become overwhelmed when patient volume is unusually high. In such settings, staffing shortages, rushed decisions, or lapses in monitoring may occur more frequently.

  • Health Disparities Across Populations: Statewide data reveal that Black infants in New Jersey are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to White infants. These disparities, linked to unequal access to high-quality prenatal and delivery care, are a critical concern for diverse communities like Lakewood.

  • Compounded Risks from Maternal Conditions: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are significant drivers of complications. When combined with delayed prenatal care, these risks multiply.

In a community where childbirth defines the rhythm of daily life, these challenges are more than statistics—they are urgent signals that parents must remain informed and proactive. Understanding the risks also underscores the importance of holding healthcare providers accountable when negligence contributes to harm.

Where Do Families in Lakewood Deliver Babies?

Most Lakewood deliveries occur at nearby maternity hospitals and birthing centers, including:

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus – Lakewood, NJ (Formerly Kimball Medical Center): Offers maternity services but smaller in scope than some regional hospitals. Issues sometimes arise when advanced neonatal support is needed.

Community Medical Center – Toms River, NJ: Popular for families who want to stay within Ocean County but need more resources than a smaller hospital might provide.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Neptune, NJ: Frequently handles high-risk pregnancies from Lakewood due to its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Monmouth Medical Center – Long Branch, NJ: With full perinatal services and advanced care, some Lakewood families are referred here if complications are known in advance.

The reality is that families in Lakewood often start at the nearest hospital, but when something goes wrong, transfers may happen—sometimes too late to prevent injury. Knowing which facilities have the highest levels of neonatal care is critical.

Common Types of Birth Injuries Linked to Malpractice

Not every birth injury is the result of malpractice, but many occur when medical standards are not followed. Here are some of the most serious injuries we see in Lakewood families:

  • Cerebral Palsy (CP): Often linked to oxygen deprivation during delivery (called “birth asphyxia”). CP can affect movement, posture, and muscle coordination. Co-occurring Conditions: A person with CP often has other health issues. For example, about 40% of children with CP also have epilepsy, and many experience cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, or vision and hearing problems.  Approximately 60% of children with CP can walk independently, but others may need mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This oxygen-deprivation brain injury is one of the most devastating birth complications. It can lead to seizures, learning disabilities, or lifelong neurological impairment. The NIH notes that HIE is one of the leading causes of newborn mortality.
  • Erb’s Palsy/Brachial Plexus Trauma: Damage to the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand—often from excessive pulling during shoulder dystocia. This results in partial or total paralysis of the baby’s arm.
  • Fractures or Broken Bones: Often caused by applying too much force during difficult deliveries. For example, a fractured collarbone can signal poor handling by staff.  According to a Pediatrics abstract on Birth Trauma in the U.S., clavicular (collarbone) fractures are one of the most common types of bone fractures in newborns following difficult deliveries.
  • Spinal Cord Damage: Rare but catastrophic, often due to improper use of forceps or vacuum delivery tools.

Each of these conditions changes the trajectory of a child’s life and the life of their family. In some cases, ongoing medical and therapeutic expenses can reach millions of dollars.

How Medical Mistakes Happen

Medical malpractice during childbirth in Lakewood often involves:

  • Failure to Monitor the Baby’s Heart Rate: Electronic fetal monitoring should alert doctors if a baby is in distress. When not monitored properly, doctors may miss the chance to intervene before oxygen deprivation causes harm.
  • Ignoring Maternal Risk Factors: Conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or large infant size should trigger heightened attention. Failure to plan ahead—with a C-section, for example—can lead to preventable injury.
  • Delayed C-Sections: In critical cases, an emergency C-section must be performed within minutes. Too often, multiple small delays lead to catastrophic outcomes.
  • Incorrect Use of Forceps/Vacuums: While helpful in some deliveries, improper or aggressive use of these instruments can injure the infant’s brain, skull, or nerves.
  • Medication Errors: Administering incorrect drugs, improper dosages, or labor-inducing drugs too quickly can stress both mother and baby.

These mistakes are not simply “bad luck.” They happen when providers fall below the accepted medical standard of care.

The Emotional and Financial Toll on Families

Birth injuries affect far more than just the child’s immediate health. Families in Lakewood often experience the following long-term struggles:

  • Emotional Trauma: Parents blame themselves, even when they shouldn’t. The psychological toll of watching a child struggle can be devastating.
  • Medical Bills: Treatments, the best therapies, medications, and surgeries can add up to millions of dollars over the course of the child’s life.
  • Impact on Family Life: Parents often need to become full-time caregivers, and siblings may also feel the impact as attention and resources are divided.
  • Educational Challenges: Many children with birth injuries require specialized educational programs or in-school accommodations.

Legal Rights for Families in Lakewood

Every parent should know that New Jersey law provides legal options for families whose children suffer birth injuries due to malpractice. Here are the basics:

  • Statute of Limitations: Generally, two years from the date the malpractice was discovered. For minors, this period can be extended—but it’s always safer to act quickly.
  • Affidavit of Merit: Before the case can proceed, an independent physician must review the facts and confirm malpractice likely occurred.
  • Damages Available: Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost earning capacity, special equipment (such as wheelchairs or adaptive technologies), and emotional pain and suffering.

Because defendants (hospitals, doctors, insurance companies) fight aggressively to deny claims, having an experienced birth injury law firm is critical.

What to Do if Your Baby Was Injured in Lakewood

If you suspect medical malpractice:

  1. Seek Ongoing Medical Care: Your child’s well-being comes first. Request evaluations with specialists, particularly neurologists or pediatric rehabilitation experts near me.
  2. Collect Records: Get copies of prenatal charts, hospital records, labor notes, and NICU records. This evidence is vital.
  3. Write Down Everything: Memories fade quickly. Record what you remember about labor, who was in the room, and what was said.
  4. Contact our experienced Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Lawyers for Birth Injury Cases: Not every attorney handles these complex cases. You need a legal team with proven experience in medical malpractice and child injury law.

 

At The Child Injury Firm, we understand the deep sense of loss, frustration, and uncertainty that comes with a malpractice-related birth injury. For Lakewood families, where children are central to community life, ensuring injured children get the care and support they deserve is more than a legal issue—it’s a moral one.

Our mission is to help families uncover the truth, fight powerful hospitals and insurers, and secure the resources their child needs for a lifetime of care and dignity.

Key Takeaways for Lakewood Families

Lakewood has the highest birth rates in New Jersey, which can strain local hospitals and increase malpractice risk.

Most deliveries occur at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus or nearby medical centers in Toms River, Neptune, and Long Branch.

Common malpractice-linked injuries include cerebral palsy, HIE, Erb’s palsy, spinal cord damage, and fractures.

New Jersey law provides compensation opportunities, but strict timelines and expert review requirements make legal representation essential.

Families should act quickly to secure care for their children and pursue justice if they believe negligence caused the injury.

Resources for Cities in New Jersey

Top Resource Groups in Lakewood, New Jersey

These resources offer medical information, support groups, and programs for children with disabilities resulting from birth injuries, with a strong focus on the Lakewood, NJ area.

1

LADACIN Network (formerly Cerebral Palsy of Monmouth and Ocean Counties)

LADACIN Network provides a comprehensive range of educational, therapeutic, social, and residential services to infants, children, and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy and spina bifida. They have a long history of serving the Lakewood community. Website: https://ladacin.org/

2

The Arc of Ocean County

This organization provides advocacy, support, and a wide variety of services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They have a strong presence in Lakewood and can connect you with resources and support networks in the area. Website: https://www.arcocean.org/

3

New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)

This is a state-run system that provides services to children from birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities. It is a crucial resource for early therapy and support. You can call their statewide referral number or contact the Special Child Health Services Case Management Unit in Ocean County. Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/

4

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

Located directly in Lakewood, this medical center offers rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy that can be vital for a child with a birth injury. They have highly-skilled therapists with advanced training in their specialties. Website: https://www.rwjbh.org/monmouth-medical-center-southern-campus/treatment-care/physical-therapy-rehab-medicine/

5

Abilities In Action

With a location in Lakewood, this organization is a team of licensed pediatric therapists who specialize in providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Website: https://www.abilitiesinaction.com/our-team/lakewood

5 Most Asked Questions & Answers About Medical Malpractice Birth Injury in Lakewood, New Jersey

What is the first thing I should do if I suspect my child has a birth injury due to a medical mistake near me in Lakewood, New Jersey?

The absolute first thing is to make sure your child receives the best medical care possible. Once your child is stable, gather all medical records and consult with an experienced legal team that focuses on birth injuries, like The Child Injury Firm, as soon as possible.

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in Lakewood, New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the general rule is two years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered. However, for child injury cases, the law “tolls” or pauses this clock, often allowing a claim to be filed until the child is older. It’s crucial to speak with our lawyers promptly to understand the specific timeline for your situation.

What kind of compensation can I get for a birth injury case in Lakewood, New Jersey?

If successful, compensation (damages) can cover your child’s past and future medical expenses, therapy, special education, adaptive equipment, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering for both the child and parents. The goal is to provide for your child’s lifelong needs.

Do I need a lawyer who knows Lakewood-area laws for a birth injury case?

Yes, absolutely. New Jersey has specific laws and procedures for medical malpractice cases, including the requirement for an Affidavit of Merit. Our experienced Lakewood birth injury lawyers understand these rules and how to navigate the local court system and medical facilities to build the strongest possible case for your family.

Is it expensive to hire a lawyer for a birth injury case?

Like most child injury law firms, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, this means your family pays no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we successfully win your case. This approach ensures that every family can afford to seek justice without worrying about the financial burden of legal fees.

What is the difference between a "birth injury" and a "birth defect"?

This is a critical legal distinction. A birth defect is a health condition that develops while the baby is in the womb due to genetic or other factors. A birth injury is damage that occurs during the labor and delivery process. Our investigation focuses on proving that your child suffered an injury that was preventable and caused by a medical error.

Signing a consent form does not prevent you from filing a malpractice lawsuit. A consent form means you accept the known risks of a procedure when it is performed correctly. It does not give a doctor or hospital permission to provide substandard care or make negligent mistakes.

How do you prove that a doctor's mistake caused the injury?

We work with world-class medical experts who review every page of the medical records. They analyze fetal heart monitoring strips, labor and delivery notes, and other data to identify where the medical team deviated from the accepted standard of care. This expert testimony is crucial to linking the mistake directly to your child’s injury.

Will suing the hospital affect my child's future medical treatment?

It is illegal and unethical for any doctor or hospital to refuse care or treat your child differently in retaliation for a lawsuit. We can also help you find new, independent specialists at top-tier medical centers to ensure your child receives the best care possible, free from any potential conflict.

What if the hospital's insurance company offers me a quick settlement?

You should never accept a settlement offer without speaking to an experienced birth injury attorney. Early offers are almost always far less than what your child will require for a lifetime of care. These offers can be a tactic to resolve the case quickly and cheaply before you understand the full financial scope of your child’s needs.

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Testimonials

Child & Birth Injury Lawyers: Making a Difference When It Matters Most

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.

Life-Changing Financial Security

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.

Ongoing Client Support and Protection

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.

Caring for Clients and the Community

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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