Williamsport Birth Injury Lawyer

Welcoming a new child into the world should be a time of joy and celebration, but when birth injuries occur, this momentous occasion can quickly turn into a period of uncertainty and distress. In Williamsport, families facing the challenging aftermath of a birth injury need compassionate, skilled legal representation.

At Munley Law, our dedicated team of Williamsport birth injury lawyers understands the complexities of these cases and the profound impact they have on families. We are committed to providing the support, guidance, and expert legal representation you need to navigate this difficult time. If your family is grappling with the consequences of a birth injury, contact Munley Law today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Are Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries are various forms of physical harm or trauma that a baby may suffer during the childbirth process. These injuries can range from mild to severe, impacting a child’s life significantly. Birth injuries can lead to developmental disabilities, cognitive impairment, limited mobility, blindness, paralysis, or lifelong health struggles.  As experienced Williamsport birth injury lawyers, we understand the complexities and the emotional toll these injuries can have on families.

List of Common Birth Injuries

• Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs while the brain is developing before, during, or after birth.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: These occur when the bundle of nerves controlling the arms and hands, known as the brachial plexus, is damaged.
• Fractures: Clavicle or collarbone fractures as well as cranial fractures or broken arms and legs can occur during the birthing process.
• Perinatal Asphyxia: This happens when the baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: This is bleeding under the skull or within the brain, often due to birth trauma.

What Are Common Causes of a Birth Injury?

Birth injuries can result from various factors, often related to complications during labor and delivery. Some common causes include:

• Prolonged Labor: Extended labor can put the baby under stress, leading to potential injuries.
• Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, if used incorrectly, can cause physical harm to the baby.
• Medical Negligence: This includes errors in judgment, improper techniques, or failure to monitor the baby’s condition adequately.
• Maternal Health Issues: Pre-existing health conditions in the mother can also contribute to birth injuries.

What Constitutes Negligence During Childbirth in Williamsport?

Negligence during childbirth can take many forms, and identifying it is crucial for any legal claim. Some examples include:

• Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Ignoring signs of fetal distress can lead to severe consequences.
• Improper Delivery Techniques: Using incorrect methods or force during delivery.
• Delayed C-Section: Failure to perform a cesarean section in a timely manner when necessary.
• Medication Errors: Incorrect administration or dosage of medication during childbirth.

Understanding Birth Defects vs. Birth Injuries

For newborn health purposes, it is crucial that we differentiate between birth defects and injuries as they each present different risks, consequences and legal considerations.

Birth Defects

Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that may result in physical and/or mental disabilities for an infant, both physical and/or psychological. Defects may range from minor to severe. Key aspects related to birth defects include:

Causes: Birth defects often stem from genetic and environmental influences or combinations thereof, including specific medications, illnesses, or behaviors during gestation that increase risk factors for birth defects. For instance, certain illnesses, behaviors, or certain behaviors during labor could increase this risk significantly.

Prevention and Management: While birth defects cannot always be avoided, prenatal care that ensures proper nutrition and excludes harmful substances may help decrease their risks.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries result from harm incurred during the labor and delivery process that injures an infant – from mild bruising or dislocations to more serious forms such as nerve damage or brain injuries. Key features of birth injuries are as follows.

Causes: Complications during labor often play a factor, including issues related to the size or positioning of the baby, prolonged labor times, or medical negligence.

Treatment and Recovery: Many birth injuries are treatable and should heal over time; however, more serious injuries may need ongoing medical care for recovery to take place.

Legal Aspect: Birth injury lawsuits typically involve medical malpractice claims. If negligence caused an injury during delivery, this healthcare provider could potentially be held liable.

Understanding Whether It Is a Birth Defect Or Injury

Determining whether a newborn’s condition qualifies as either birth defect or injury is crucial when considering legal action against medical negligence resulting in birth injuries in Williamsport and their families’ rights to compensation may exist. Munley Law can assist families by helping identify what nature the condition takes before providing advice about legal strategies that best address its effects and advise what the best path forward might be for any claims that arise as a result of it.

If your child was affected by negligence during childbirth, contact Munley Law today for a comprehensive analysis and expert legal guidance.

How Much Compensation for a Birth Injury?

Every child deserves the chance to have a full, happy, and healthy life. If your child suffered a birth injury because of medical negligence, financial compensation can help provide the resources your child will need to live their fullest life. The compensation for a birth injury in Williamsport can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and its long-term impacts. As experienced Williamsport birth injury lawyers, we aim to secure compensation that covers:

• Medical expenses you and your child will incur now and in the future
• Rehabilitation costs
• Special education needs and adaptive equipment needed for daily life and mobility
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earning capacity

How Birth Injury Compensation is Calculated

Compensation is calculated based on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the cost of medical care, and the impact on the child’s and family’s life. An experienced lawyer can help in accurately determining the value of a claim.

Statute of Limitations

In Williamsport, there is a specific time frame within which you can file a birth injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Understanding these time limits is crucial, as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to compensation. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury. However, birth injuries are a bit different. Parents must file a birth injury lawsuit within two years of the date that the injury was discovered. Some birth injuries are apparent at the time of birth, but others may take longer to become apparent, as infants miss developmental milestones. Your child has two years from their 18th birthday (until they turn 20) to file a claim on their own behalf if their parents took no prior action. 

How Our Williamsport Birth Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Munley Law, our team of dedicated Williamsport birth injury lawyers has the expertise and compassion to handle these sensitive cases. We offer:

• Expert Legal Advice: Our team has extensive knowledge of birth injury laws and will guide you through every step of the legal process.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We thoroughly investigate each case, gathering necessary medical records and expert testimonies.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who strive to secure the maximum compensation for our clients.
• Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights and the best possible outcome.

Contact a Williamsport Birth Injury Attorney at Munley Law

If your child has suffered a birth injury in Williamsport, you need a lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to fighting for your family’s rights. At Munley Law, we bring a wealth of experience and a track record of success to the table in birth injury cases. Our team of attorneys is not only highly skilled in the intricacies of medical malpractice law but also deeply committed to advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable. We are proud to have among us board-certified civil trial advocates, a distinction that places us in the top tier of litigators in the country. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.