Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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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:
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.
Lakewood’s maternity trends look very different from those in many other New Jersey towns, creating a unique set of risks for expectant families:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Medical malpractice during childbirth in Lakewood often involves:
These mistakes are not simply “bad luck.” They happen when providers fall below the accepted medical standard of care.
Birth injuries affect far more than just the child’s immediate health. Families in Lakewood often experience the following long-term struggles:
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:
Because defendants (hospitals, doctors, insurance companies) fight aggressively to deny claims, having an experienced birth injury law firm is critical.
If you suspect medical malpractice:
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.
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.
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.
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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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