Pottsville Birth Injury Lawyer

Navigating the Complexities of Birth Injury Law with Dedicated Advocacy

Birth injuries can occur regardless of the birth location, and not every incident qualifies for a medical malpractice lawsuit against the delivering doctor or the hospital. Our Pottsville birth injury lawyer is equipped to evaluate your situation and clarify your entitlement to compensation for your child.

Since 1959, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have been a trusted advocate for families across Pottsville, PA, in medical malpractice cases. Recognized as one of the leading law firms nationally, including receiving the Super Lawyers accolade, we have successfully secured necessary compensation for hundreds of families like yours.

Contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation, either by phone or through our online form.

Understanding Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are traumatic physical injuries that can occur to a child before, during, or just after the birthing process. In Pottsville, Pennsylvania, as in other places, the definition of a birth injury encompasses a wide range of health issues that can arise from complications during the labor and delivery process.

Examples of a Birth Injury

Birth defects and injuries can range from mild to severe and can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common examples of birth injuries include:

• Brachial Plexus Injuries (BPI): These injuries involve damage to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. The most common type of BPI is Erb’s palsy, which can cause weakness or loss of motion in the arm.
• Bone Fractures: During a difficult birth, especially with larger babies or in a breech delivery, the baby’s bones can be fractured. The clavicle or collarbone is the most commonly fractured bone during birth.
• Cerebral Palsy: This is a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. It is often caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. The symptoms and severity can vary widely.
• Perinatal Asphyxia: This occurs when the baby doesn’t receive enough oxygen before, during, or just after birth, leading to a range of complications, including potential brain damage.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Trauma during the birthing process can lead to this type of bleeding within the brain or beneath the skull, encompassing conditions like subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhages.
• Swelling of the Scalp: This is usually seen as a result of the pressure against the cervix during head-first delivery.
• Cephalohematoma: Occurring as a result of birth trauma, this condition involves bleeding under one of the cranial bones in the newborn’s head.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These are less common but can occur during traumatic births, potentially leading to paralysis or neurologic deficits.
• Facial Paralysis: Pressure on the baby’s face during delivery or the use of forceps can cause nerve damage, resulting in facial paralysis.
• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: If the baby inhales a mixture of meconium (early feces) and amniotic fluid during or around the time of delivery, it can block the baby’s airways and cause breathing problems.

How Injury Lawyers Prove a Birth Injury Claim

Proving a birth injury claim requires a detailed legal and medical examination to establish that the injury was caused by negligence or deviation from the standard of care expected of medical professionals.

Personal injury lawyers typically follow a step-by-step process to prove a birth injury claim:

• Client Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation, where the lawyer will gather all relevant information from the client regarding the birth injury.
• Medical Records Review: The lawyer will collect and review all medical records related to the pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postnatal care to identify any deviations from standard medical practices.
• Expert Consultation: Personal injury lawyers often consult with medical experts to analyze the medical records and to provide an expert opinion on whether there was a breach in the standard of care that led to the injury.
• Filing the Claim: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, the lawyer will file a claim on behalf of the client, outlining the alleged medical negligence and the damages sought.
• Discovery: During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information and evidence. This may include depositions, requests for documents, and interrogatories.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Many birth injury claims are settled out of court. Lawyers will negotiate with the defendant‘s insurance company or legal representatives to reach a settlement that covers the child’s needs.
• Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. Here, the lawyer presents the evidence to a judge or jury, who will then decide on the liability and damages.

What Compensation Can You Receive For a Birth Injury?

Compensation for birth injuries can include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, ongoing care costs, specialized equipment, and lost earning potential due to the child’s injury.

Non-economic damages are awarded for the more subjective consequences of an injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the child’s physical and mental impairment.

The aim of such compensation is not only to cover the immediate and future financial impact of the injury but also to acknowledge and address the profound personal and emotional effects it has on both the baby and the family.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys strives to ensure that any compensation reflects the full scope of the injury’s impact on our clients’ lives.

How a Birth Injury Lawyer in Pottsville Can Help

A birth injury lawyer can provide crucial assistance by navigating the complex medical and legal processes necessary to secure justice and compensation. They offer expert guidance on the intricacies of medical malpractice cases, gather and analyze evidence, consult with medical experts, and represent the affected family in negotiations or court proceedings. Their advocacy ensures that the family’s rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation they deserve for the injury and its lifelong consequences.

With their help, families can focus on caring for their child while the legal experts handle the pursuit of accountability and relief.

Award-Winning Pottsville Birth Injury Lawyers Aiding Medical Malpractice Victims

If your family is grappling with the aftermath of a birth injury, know that you are not alone. Our award-winning Pottsville birth injury lawyers at Munley Law are ready to stand by your side. With a legacy of fighting for the rights of medical malpractice victims, our experienced attorneys possess the knowledge, skill, and compassion necessary to guide you through this challenging time.

We are committed to securing the justice and compensation you and your child deserve. We understand the gravity of a birth injury claim and are prepared to diligently pursue the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation, and let us take the first step towards healing together.