Reading Birth Injury Lawyer

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Dealing with a birth injury can be overwhelming for any family. A Reading birth injury lawyer can provide the support and legal expertise you need to seek justice and compensation for your child's injuries. They understand your challenges and are dedicated to helping you navigate this difficult time.

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An Advocate for Children Injured at Birth

A birth injury attorney serves as a powerful advocate for children who have been injured at birth, fighting to secure the compensation and care they need for a better future.

They work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure that affected families receive the support and maximum compensation they deserve, easing the burden during a challenging time. This includes dealing with insurance companies to ensure families receive fair compensation for their losses and expenses.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

The most common birth injuries include:

Cerebral Palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation during birth, this condition affects movement and muscle coordination.

Erb's Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injuries: These injuries impact the nerves controlling the arms and hands, often resulting from shoulder dystocia during delivery.

Fractures: The collarbone (clavicle) is the most commonly fractured bone during birth, typically due to a difficult delivery.

Facial Nerve Damage: This can occur from forceps or pressure on the baby's face during birth, potentially affecting facial movement.

Perinatal Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen during birth can lead to brain damage and other serious complications.

Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the baby's scalp that can occur as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Cephalohematoma: Accumulation of blood under the scalp usually resolves independently but can sometimes lead to complications.

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a child's health and development, making prompt medical attention and proper care essential.

When is a Child's Cerebral Palsy a Malpractice Issue?

When a child develops cerebral palsy due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, it can become a malpractice issue. This might happen if healthcare providers don't closely monitor the baby's vital signs, respond promptly to complications, or use delivery tools correctly. It could also occur if they fail to manage infections that could harm the baby.

If you suspect medical errors contributed to your child's cerebral palsy, reaching out to a birth injury lawyer is essential. They can help you understand your options, review medical records, and guide you through the legal process to seek justice and compensation for your child's condition.

Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can occur due to various factors, often involving complications during the labor and delivery process. Common causes include:

Prolonged Labor: Extended or complex labor can put stress on the baby, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries.

Oxygen Deprivation: Lack of oxygen to the baby's brain, known as perinatal asphyxia, can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy.

Use of Delivery Tools: Misuse of delivery instruments, such as improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause physical injuries such as fractures or nerve damage.

Large Birth Weight: Babies with higher birth weights are at a greater risk for delivery complications, including shoulder dystocia, which can cause brachial plexus injuries.

Premature Birth: Premature babies are more vulnerable and can suffer injuries more easily during delivery.

Medical Negligence: Mistakes made by medical providers, such as improper monitoring, delayed C-sections, or incorrect use of medical instruments, can lead to preventable birth injuries.

Abnormal Birth Position: Breech (feet-first) or other abnormal positions can complicate delivery and increase the likelihood of injury.

Maternal Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure in the mother can contribute to complications during birth.

What to Do If Your Child Suffered a Birth Injury Due to Medical Negligence

If you suspect your child has suffered an injury at birth due to medical negligence, there are several important steps you should take. First, seek medical services for your child to ensure they receive the necessary care and treatment. Next, gather all relevant medical records and documentation related to the birth and your child's condition.

Consult a medical malpractice attorney specializing in medical negligence cases for legal advice. Experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and guide you through seeking monetary compensation. An experienced birth injury lawyer can also assist in obtaining expert medical opinions to support your case.

Taking these steps can help you secure the resources and support your child's needs for the future.

Who Is At Fault For a Birth Injury In a Personal Injury Claim?

Determining fault for a birth injury can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of each case. In some instances, the injury may be caused by medical negligence, such as mistakes made by healthcare providers during prenatal care, labor, or delivery. This could include failure to properly monitor the baby's health, respond to complications, or perform necessary medical interventions.

However, in other cases, the injury may be due to factors beyond anyone's control, such as genetic abnormalities or unforeseen complications during childbirth.

Identifying fault typically involves a thorough investigation by medical and legal professionals to understand what happened and who the liable parties are.

What Are the Differences Between Birth Defects and Birth Injuries?

Birth defects and birth injuries are both conditions that can affect newborns, but they have different causes and timing.

Birth defects are abnormalities present at birth that develop during pregnancy due to genetics or environmental factors. They usually occur early in pregnancy and are not caused by events during labor or delivery.

In contrast, birth injuries happen during labor and delivery due to physical trauma or medical errors. They can occur when the baby experiences complications such as oxygen deprivation or trauma from delivery tools. Unlike birth defects, birth injuries are preventable and can lead to long-term health problems requiring a lifetime of care for the child.

Parents and medical practitioners must understand these differences to provide the right care and support for newborns and their families.

What Compensation Is Available in Berks County Birth Injury Cases?

In Berks County birth injury cases, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help cover the costs associated with your child's injury. This can include:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical bills related to the birth injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy.

Lost Wages: If a parent had to take time off work to care for their injured child, they might be compensated for lost income.

Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the birth injury.

Long-Term Care: Coverage for ongoing care needs, such as in-home nursing or specialized educational services.

Rehabilitation Costs: Funds to support physical, occupational, and speech therapy to aid in the child's development and recovery.

Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand the specific compensation you may be eligible for and guide you through the legal process to ensure your child receives the support and medical care they need.

How Closely Do Birth Injury Lawyers Work With Medical Professionals?

Birth injury lawyers work closely with medical professionals to build a strong case. They collaborate with doctors, nurses, and medical experts to review medical records, understand the details of the injury, and determine if the standard of care was breached and medical negligence occurred. These professionals provide crucial insights and expert testimony that can explain complex medical issues to a judge or jury.

This partnership helps ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined, increasing the chances of securing fair compensation for the affected family.

How Long Do I Have to File a Birth Injury Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a birth injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, in cases involving minors, the timeline can be different. The statute of limitations for birth injury may extend until the child's 20th birthday.

Despite this extended timeframe, consulting with an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible is important. Early action ensures that evidence is preserved and the case is thoroughly prepared, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.

Contact a Reading Birth Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today

If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury, the law firm of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys in Reading is here to help. With our decades of experience in handling birth injury cases, our legal team understands the complexities involved and the importance of seeking justice for your child. Our team is committed to providing you with the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your birth injury claim and answer any questions you may have. Don't hesitate to contact Munley Law today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can assist you in seeking the compensation and support your family deserves.