Lancaster Birth Injury Lawyer

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What Are Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries in Lancaster, PA — and Why Should Local Families Be Concerned?

We know that bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting, hopeful, and sometimes nervous time. Our goal today is simple: we want to share some important facts about birth injuries in the Lancaster community—in plain, caring words that are easy to understand. We’ll talk about real numbers, the things people often miss, and simple ways you can feel more confident and prepared. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real families and real babies. The families affected by birth injuries face emotional and financial challenges, making support and awareness in our community essential. This isn’t about being scared; it’s about being ready and knowing how to be the best possible advocate for your baby.

How Often Do Birth Injuries Happen in Lancaster, PA — and What Most People Are Missing?

Lancaster Babies: Numbers That Matter

First, let’s look at some local numbers that show just how much our community is growing. According to data from 2022, Lancaster County had the highest birth rate in all of Pennsylvania, with around 12.7 births for every 1,000 people. To put that in perspective, the state average was about 10.1 births per 1,000 people. This means that a lot of babies are arriving in Lancaster—and with so many new families, it’s essential for us to talk about birth-related risks and how to stay safe.

When we think about birth injuries, it’s helpful to understand that some babies are more at risk. Babies who are born early (preterm) or with a very low birth weight often need more medical attention and are more likely to face challenges during or after delivery. The child’s condition, such as cerebral palsy or brain damage, can be affected by complications during the birthing process. It’s a simple fact of biology: a smaller, less-developed baby can be more fragile. Knowing these numbers can help you have a conversation with your doctor about your own baby’s specific needs.

Local Stats You Don’t Hear About Often

Here are some sobering numbers that few people talk about, but they are crucial for every parent in Lancaster to know. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real families and real babies.

  • Low birth weight: In Lancaster County, about 6.5% of babies are born with a low birth weight. That number is actually lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 8.4%, which is great news for our community. However, 6.5% is still significant, and it means that hundreds of babies born in Lancaster each year are more vulnerable to health issues.
  • Preterm births: Preterm births make up around 8.5% of all births in Lancaster. While this is lower than the state’s average of 9.7%, it still means that nearly one in every twelve babies born here arrives early.
  • A quiet but important story in the numbers: There are some wide gaps in preterm birth rates across different racial groups, and it’s something that deserves our attention. For example, in 2023, preterm births were highest among Hispanic infants at 11.5%, followed by Black infants at 11.0%. The rate was 9.8% for Asian/Pacific Islander babies and was lowest for White infants at 7.6%. These numbers tell us that some communities face a higher risk than others, and they highlight the need for all families to have access to the best prenatal care and support possible.

During the birthing process, complications or medical errors can lead to serious injuries. Inadequate medical care from medical providers, including doctors and registered nurses, can increase the risk of birth injuries. Uterine rupture is one example of a serious complication that can occur during labor. When babies are born too soon or too small, they’re more likely to have injuries like bruises, nerve damage, oxygen deprivation, or pressure-related trauma during delivery. Oxygen deprivation or trauma can cause lasting harm to a baby’s brain, leading to lifelong challenges. These injuries are often connected to the stress a baby’s body can go through during labor and delivery. The good news is that knowing these numbers helps you stay alert and feel empowered to ask essential questions.

Why These Numbers Matter Here

Even though these percentages may seem small, when we look at the thousands of babies born in Lancaster County every year, these numbers add up. This means that dozens of families could face birth injuries every single year. It’s a quiet reality that most people don’t talk about, and it’s why we’re sharing this information with you now.

Being prepared isn’t about worrying all the time; it’s about being proactive. It’s about knowing your baby’s unique risk factors and working with your healthcare team to make sure every precaution is taken. The most valuable tool you have is knowledge, and knowing these numbers helps you stay alert and speak up when it matters most.

Types of Birth Injuries Every Parent Should Know About

When you’re preparing to welcome a new baby, the last thing you want to think about is the possibility of something going wrong during the labor and delivery process. However, understanding the types of birth injuries that can occur—and how medical malpractice or medical negligence can play a role—empowers you to advocate for your child’s health and seek justice if something goes wrong.

Here are some of the most common birth injuries that families in Lancaster, PA, and across Pennsylvania should be aware of:

  1. Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and movement. It often results from brain damage during childbirth, which can be caused by oxygen deprivation, blood flow problems, or failure to respond to fetal distress. Medical mistakes—such as delayed delivery or inadequate monitoring—can increase the risk. If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can help determine if medical malpractice played a role and guide you through the legal process to recover compensation for ongoing care.
  2. Brachial Plexus The brachial plexus is a network of nerves in the upper arm. Brachial plexus injuries, including brachial plexus palsy, can occur when these nerves are stretched or torn during a difficult delivery, often due to excessive force or improper use of assisted delivery tools. This can lead to weakness, loss of movement, or even permanent nerve damage in the arm. If your child suffers from a brachial plexus injury, a birth injury attorney can help you gather evidence and pursue compensation for medical expenses and therapy.
  3. Erb’s Palsy Erb’s palsy is a specific type of brachial plexus injury that affects the nerves controlling the shoulder and upper arm. It is commonly caused by medical errors during delivery, such as improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Children with Erb’s palsy may experience arm weakness or paralysis, sometimes requiring long-term physical therapy. A Pennsylvania birth injury attorney can help families seek legal advice and hold negligent parties accountable.
  4. Skull Fractures Skull fractures are serious injuries that can occur if excessive force is used during delivery or if assisted delivery tools are not handled properly. These fractures can lead to brain damage or other complications, resulting in significant medical expenses and emotional trauma for families. If your child suffered a skull fracture at birth, a birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for the harm caused.
  5. Brain Damage Brain damage during birth is often the result of oxygen deprivation or problems with blood flow to the baby’s brain. Medical negligence—such as failing to monitor fetal distress or delaying an emergency C-section—can lead to permanent damage, developmental delays, or cognitive challenges. A birth injury attorney can help you seek justice and recover compensation for your child’s lifelong needs.
  6. Physical Therapy and Ongoing CareMany birth injuries require ongoing physical therapy, specialized medical care, and adaptive equipment. These treatments can place a significant financial burden on families. A Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for all related medical expenses, ensuring your child receives the support they need to thrive.
  7. Emotional Trauma and Distress The impact of a birth injury goes beyond physical harm. Families often experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and stress as they navigate their child’s condition and future care needs. 

If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice or medical errors, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, understand your legal options, and fight for the financial compensation your family deserves. The Child and Birth Injury Firm offers a free consultation to help you get started—so you can focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal process.

Remember, you are not alone. With the right legal team by your side, you can seek justice, hold negligent medical professionals accountable, and secure the resources your family needs for a brighter future. Don’t wait—contact our Pennsylvania birth injury lawyers today to learn how we can help.

Tips Every Lancaster Family Should Keep in Mind

We want every parent to feel in charge of their baby’s health. Here’s how you can be your own best advocate and ensure a safe and healthy start for your little one.

  1. Find the Best Prenatal Care “Near Me.” A great pregnancy begins with great care. A simple search for “best prenatal care near me” can connect you with highly-rated, local doctors and midwives. Look for a provider who not only has excellent qualifications but also takes the time to listen to your concerns and makes you feel comfortable. Early and consistent prenatal care is crucial for monitoring your health and your baby’s development, helping to identify and address potential risks before they become problems. You can discuss your own health history and learn what to expect, all while building a trusting relationship with your care team.
  2. Ask the Right Questions During Your Pregnancy. Don’t be shy about asking questions at your prenatal appointments. You are your baby’s first line of defense. A great question to ask is, “Is everything tracking well with my baby’s size and growth?” This simple question shows your provider that you are an engaged and thoughtful partner in your care. You can also ask about potential risk factors, such as your baby’s position, and discuss a birth plan that prioritizes safety. Remember, no question is too small or silly when it comes to your baby’s health.
  3. Be Proactive During Labor and Delivery. Labor is a time of intense focus, but it’s also a time to stay informed. Don’t hesitate to ask your care team about the monitoring process. You might say, “Is the baby’s heartbeat steady? Are we watching for any signs of distress?” Understanding what’s happening and why can help you feel more in control and ensure that your care team is attentive to every detail. It’s okay to ask for updates and to be a part of the conversation as things unfold.
  4. Know What to Look for After Birth Once your baby arrives, your role as their advocate continues. Pay close attention to your newborn’s cues. Look for signs of a healthy baby: Are they breathing steadily? Is their skin a healthy color? Are their movements strong and coordinated? Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns to a nurse or doctor. New parents are often told to trust their instincts, and there’s a good reason for that—you know your baby best. If something feels off, speak up immediately. A nurse or doctor will appreciate your attentiveness and can quickly address any potential issues.
  5. Trust Your Gut Feeling. Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent. If something feels wrong—if your gut whispers that something isn’t right—say something. Doctors and nurses are professionals, but you are the parent. Your gut feeling is a valuable tool, and a good healthcare provider will always take your concerns seriously. You are an essential part of the care team, and your voice matters. It’s better to ask and be told everything is fine than to stay silent and risk a serious problem.

By staying proactive and informed, you can help make the experience more stress free for your family. Taking these steps can simplify the process and give you greater peace of mind during this important time. 

Our Role and the Importance of an Experienced Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Lawyer

Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers at The Child and Birth Injury Firm have a deep understanding of why early action is critical in these sensitive cases. Our decades of experience have shown us that catching a birth injury early is not just about legal strategy; it’s about giving your child the best possible chance at a healthy future. An early diagnosis can lead to timely interventions like physical therapy, specialized care, and adaptive equipment, which can dramatically improve a child’s long-term outcome. Without this early, aggressive care, a child may not reach their full potential.

This is why the role of an experienced medical malpractice birth injury lawyer is so crucial. A lawyer who specializes in these cases knows exactly what to look for and when to act. We work quickly to preserve key evidence, such as medical records and fetal monitoring strips, before they can be lost or altered. We have established relationships with top medical experts who can review your case and determine if a doctor’s or nurse’s actions—or lack of action—caused your child’s injury. This expertise is essential because proving negligence is a complex legal challenge that requires a precise understanding of both medicine and the law. If you are considering a Pennsylvania birth injury lawsuit, the process involves gathering medical evidence, consulting with experts, and pursuing compensation for your child’s injuries.

We also believe in being a comprehensive resource for our community. While we are a law firm, our commitment extends to connecting families with the support they need to start their journey. Importantly, our clients pay no upfront costs or hourly fees—we work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. 

Key Takeaways: What Families Should Remember

  • Birth injuries aren’t rare: With around 8–9% of babies in Lancaster County born early or small, some are at a higher risk for injury. Knowing these numbers is the first step toward prevention.
  • Local risks matter: Lancaster’s low birth weight and preterm rates are slightly lower than state averages, but still significant. Awareness of these factors can help you and your doctor plan for a safe delivery.
  • You can be proactive: Families benefit from asking proactive questions during pregnancy and labor. Knowing the signs of a healthy newborn and trusting your instincts are your most valuable tools.
  • “Best care options “Near Me” can help: Finding good local resources early—from prenatal care to childbirth classes—makes a huge difference in your journey.
  • We’re here for you: Our team at The Child and Birth Injury Firm brings trusted expertise and real support for Lancaster families. We are here not only to help with legal matters but also to serve as a resource for our community.

We hope this helps you feel both seen and empowered. The journey of parenthood is a wonderful one, and by working together as a community, we can make it as safe and joyful as possible. We’re here to support you in real, local ways.

Top Resource Groups in Lancaster, PA

1

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development

This center in Lancaster offers a wide range of pediatric therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, for children with developmental challenges.

2

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania

Located nearby in Allentown, Easterseals provides essential early intervention services, therapy, and support for families of children with disabilities, making them a great starting point for navigating care.

3

March of Dimes

A national organization with a presence in Pennsylvania, the March of Dimes offers extensive resources for families with newborns who have health issues, including those related to birth injuries and prematurity.

4

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

As a world-renowned facility, CHOP is a critical resource for families in the region who need specialized care for complex birth injuries and neurological conditions.

5

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

This organization offers virtual support groups for parents who have experienced birth trauma, providing a confidential space to connect with others and find emotional support.

6

The Child and Birth Injury Firm

An experienced birth injury law firm can be a valuable resource. They help families determine if a birth injury was caused by medical negligence and can work to secure the long-term financial support needed for a child’s care.

Common Questions about Birth Injury in Lancaster, PA

How do I know if my child's injury was a birth injury or a birth defect?

This is the most crucial question. A birth defect is a condition, often genetic or developmental, that occurs before a baby is born. For example, a baby born with a heart problem or a missing limb from a chromosomal issue has a birth defect. A birth injury is an injury that happens during or just after labor and delivery due to a healthcare provider’s actions or a lack of action. This could be anything from a doctor improperly using forceps, causing nerve damage, to a nurse failing to monitor fetal distress, leading to oxygen deprivation. Our experienced birth injury lawyer’s first job is to investigate your case with medical experts to determine if the injury was a preventable birth injury caused by negligence.

Can the emotional toll and my child's future care needs be included in a lawsuit?

Yes, absolutely. A birth injury lawsuit isn’t just about covering hospital bills. It’s about securing your child’s entire future. Our experienced team of lawyers will seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses: All past and future costs for surgeries, therapies, medications, specialized equipment, and medical bills related to your child’s care.
  • Emotional distress: The pain and suffering your child has and will endure, as well as the emotional toll on the parents.
  • Future needs: The cost of long-term care, in-home assistance, special education, and any adaptive technology your child might need.
  • Lost earning potential: If the injury will prevent your child from earning a living as an adult, we can seek compensation for that loss.

Birth injury settlements can provide crucial financial support for families, helping to cover ongoing medical expenses and secure the best possible outcome for children injured during birth.

Will this lawsuit hurt my relationship with my doctors or make me feel like I’m in a fight?

This is a common and very valid fear. It’s important to know that most birth injury cases are settled outside of court, so you won’t necessarily have to go through a dramatic trial. The process is a legal way of holding a hospital or doctor accountable for a mistake so that your child’s needs can be met. Our Birth Injury Lawyers will handle all communication and legal filings, so you don’t have to face the hospital or doctors directly. Their job is to manage the legal “fight” so you can focus on caring for your child.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations, which is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury claims, including medical malpractice, the deadline is two years from the date the injury occurred. However, for a minor, the rules are different. The statute of limitations for a birth injury case in Pennsylvania generally does not begin until the child’s 18th birthday, giving you until they are 20 years old to file a lawsuit. However, it’s crucial not to wait. If you are considering filing a Pennsylvania birth injury lawsuit, it is important to act within the statute of limitations to protect your rights and ensure your case can proceed. Gathering evidence and consulting with medical experts takes a lot of time. The sooner you contact us, the better we can build a strong case for your child.

How much does it cost to hire a birth injury lawyer?

This is a top concern for any family. The vast majority of birth injury lawyers, including our team in Lancaster, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees upfront. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees for clients—your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully win your case, either through a settlement or a verdict. The cost is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the final compensation you receive, typically varies. This arrangement allows families to pursue justice without the financial risk of paying for a lawyer, expert witnesses, and court costs. If the case is unsuccessful, you owe them nothing.

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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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