Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Have Been Recovered for Injured Babies and Children
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When a family brings a new baby into the world, it is a time of incredible joy and hope. The last thing anyone wants to think about is something going wrong. But for some families in Reading, Pennsylvania, a difficult medical situation can turn a beautiful moment into a frightening and uncertain future. Here at The Child and Birth Injury Firm, our medical malpractice lawyers have spent decades helping families navigate these incredibly challenging times, and we want to share some vital information with our neighbors in Berks County.
For us, this isn’t just about law; it’s about helping families get the answers and support they need. Our goal is to make sure you’re informed and empowered with knowledge so that you can make the best choices for your child’s health and well-being. This guide is for you—to help you understand birth injuries, the common causes, and where to find the best resources in the Reading area.
A birth injury is a serious medical condition that happens to a baby during the labor and delivery process. These injuries are different from birth defects, which are conditions that develop before birth. Birth injuries often result from medical mistakes, such as a doctor or nurse making a poor choice or not acting fast enough during delivery. The consequences can be heartbreaking, leading to conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or even more severe outcomes.
The journey of a child with a birth injury is complex, requiring a lifetime of specialized medical care, therapy, and support. This is a burden that no family should have to carry alone. In a community like Reading, which has a vibrant and diverse population, it’s especially important to understand that these challenges don’t affect every family in the same way. The ability to access care, the resources available, and the support a family has can all depend on where they live and what their background is.
When we look at the big picture of infant health, the numbers tell a story that can be hard to hear, but it’s important for every parent to know. According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state’s infant mortality rate was 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. While this number has been slowly going down over the last decade, it still highlights a significant public health issue.
What’s even more important to understand are the hidden numbers that show who is most at risk. The PA Department of Health report revealed some startling truths:
Babies of younger mothers are more at risk. The infant mortality rate was highest for infants of mothers aged 19 and younger.
Education matters. Infants of mothers with a high school education or less had a higher mortality rate than those of mothers with more education.
Race is a significant factor. For the last decade, Black infants have consistently had the highest rate of infant mortality. In some years, the rate was nearly three times higher than that of white infants.
These statistics, which are often overlooked in public discussions, show that specific communities face much bigger challenges when it comes to infant health. In a city like Reading, where diversity is a strength, we must acknowledge that health disparities exist and can have a profound impact on families. It’s not just about getting the best care; it’s about making sure that every family has access to it, no matter their circumstances.
The city of Reading is home to some of the most important healthcare institutions in Berks County, including Reading Hospital, a part of Tower Health, and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. These hospitals are at the front lines of birth care, delivering thousands of babies each year. For example, in fiscal year 2023, Reading Hospital delivered more than 3,000 babies. With such a high volume of deliveries, the potential for complications—and birth injuries—is always a concern.
One of the most important parts of a hospital for a baby who is born with a birth injury or other complications is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Reading Hospital has a Level III NICU, which is a specialized unit for critically ill infants. A NICU is where a newborn might go if they suffer a serious birth injury, like a lack of oxygen to the brain, or are born prematurely. Nationally, about 10.2% of infants are admitted to a NICU. This shows how common it is for babies to need extra medical support right after birth. Having a Level III NICU near me is a crucial part of the best care a family can get in an emergency.
Recognizing a birth injury can be difficult, especially for new parents who are already worried about their child. However, there are some important signs to look out for. These can include:Â
Unusual or severe swelling on the baby’s head or face.
If you have any concerns at all, the most crucial step is to talk to your child’s doctor right away. While some birth injuries will get better on their own, others can lead to lifelong health problems that require extensive medical care. For families facing this, finding the best support is everything.Â
Birth injuries are serious and can happen during labor or delivery, often due to medical negligence.
In Pennsylvania, and specifically in Berks County, a range of health disparities exist that can put some communities at a higher risk for infant health problems. These are often tied to factors like a mother's age, education, and race.
Reading is home to major healthcare facilities like Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, which deliver thousands of babies each year and have important resources like Level III NICUs for infants who need specialized care.
Recognizing the signs of a birth injury early is key. Common signs include physical trauma, limpness, and unusual crying.
For families in Reading, there are local resources available to help, from hospital services to public health offices.
When a birth injury happens, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. The road ahead for your child can be long and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of medical malpractice lawyers at The Child and Birth Injury Firm has a long history of standing with families just like yours. We believe that every child deserves the chance at the best possible future, and we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable. If you have questions about your child’s birth injury, we are here to help you get the answers you deserve.
Reading Hospital (Tower Health): As a significant healthcare provider in the area, Reading Hospital offers comprehensive maternity and pediatric services. They have specialized care for children with complex medical conditions and offer various support groups. You can find more information on their website or by calling their main number at (484) 628-8000.
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center: This medical center provides services for new parents, including childbirth preparation classes. While not exclusively for birth injuries, their staff and programs can be a vital link to further specialized medical services. You can learn more by visiting their website or calling (610) 378-2000.
United Disabilities Services (UDS): With an office in Reading, UDS offers a wide range of services for individuals with disabilities, including children with cerebral palsy. They provide support for daily living and other essential resources for families. You can contact their Resource Center at (888) 837-4235.
Website: https://udservices.org/
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania: This organization offers a variety of services for people with disabilities, including children. They provide support for caregivers, help with connecting to local resources, and offer various programs for children with special needs, including outpatient physical and occupational therapy. You can reach them at (610) 289-0114.
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/esep/
UPMC Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility with dedicated programs for a wide variety of birth injuries and related conditions. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, with teams of specialists, including pediatric neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and physical therapists, all working together to create the best treatment plan for your child. They are also known for their support services, including their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Berks County Department of Children and Youth Services: This department provides programs and resources for families, including "Berks Resource Parents" who can offer support and guidance. Their general information number is (610) 478-6700.
Parent-To-Parent of PA: This network is created by families for families of children with special needs. They connect families in similar situations so they can share experiences and provide emotional support. You can reach their statewide office at 1-888-727-2706.
Website: https://www.parenttoparent.org/
NAMI Berks County PA: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support and education for families dealing with mental health challenges, which can be a component of coping with a birth injury. They offer free, confidential support groups and education programs for parents. You can reach them at (610) 685-3000.
Website: https://namiberkspa.org/
Brain Injury Support Group (Reading, PA): This group, which may be affiliated with local hospitals like Reading Hospital, offers a space for parents of children with brain injuries to connect with other families who understand their unique challenges. For more information on support groups at Reading Hospital, you can call (484) 628-2721.
National studies show that Black and Hispanic birthing individuals have a 26% and 40% increased likelihood of having limited PCU, respectively, compared to white women. Limited PCU is associated with a 14% increased odds of BPBI. However, research indicates that Black and Hispanic birthing individuals are at a lower risk for many of the traditional BPBI risk factors, like shoulder dystocia and macrosomia. This suggests that the increased risk for BPBI among these groups is not fully explained by conventional factors but may be related to systemic issues, such as delays in care or a lack of culturally competent communication, which can lead to birth injuries.
Socioeconomic factors like income, education, and access to resources can profoundly impact maternal health. Hispanic women nationwide have a 35% increased odds of delivering an infant with a brachial plexus birth injury compared to white women, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. This disparity may be linked to socioeconomic stressors, which can affect a mother's physical and mental health. In a city like Reading, where poverty rates are higher than the state average, limited access to nutritious food, safe housing, and consistent transportation to appointments can create physiological stress and compromise a woman's health before and during pregnancy. These social determinants of health can increase the risk of complications, including birth injuries.
National data shows that healthcare providers are more likely to dismiss the concerns and pain of Black and Hispanic patients. This implicit bias can lead to critical delays in diagnosing and treating complications during labor and delivery. A doctor might wait too long to order an emergency C-section or may not respond urgently to signs of fetal distress if they are unconsciously biased against the patient. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that Black women are 2.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. This disparity is often attributed to unconscious bias and a failure to provide timely, high-quality care, which can directly result in a preventable birth injury.
The "weathering" hypothesis proposes that constant exposure to systemic racism and socioeconomic stressors causes premature aging and physiological decline in Black women. This can manifest as an increased prevalence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. These conditions, even when managed, can create a more complex delivery, making a mother and infant more vulnerable to complications. A national study found that Black birthing individuals had an 88% increased odds of delivering an infant with a Brachial Plexus Birth Injury, even after adjusting for known clinical risk factors. This suggests that underlying physiological factors, possibly linked to chronic stress and weathering, may play a significant role in making the birthing process more difficult and susceptible to injury.
Effective communication is crucial in a medical setting, especially during labor and delivery. With a large Hispanic population in Reading, language barriers can lead to dangerous misunderstandings. A patient might not be able to fully communicate their symptoms, medical history, or concerns to their healthcare provider. A lack of interpreters or culturally competent staff can lead to a patient feeling unheard, resulting in a delayed diagnosis or an improper course of treatment. This can contribute to preventable birth injuries, as critical information that could inform a doctor's decision about a C-section or other interventions may be lost in translation.
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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