Bringing a child into the world should be a joyful occasion, but when medical negligence leads to birth injuries, the consequences can be devastating for families. Understanding the types of birth injuries and the legal options available is crucial in seeking justice and compensation.
At The Pisanchyn Law Firm, our experienced birth injury attorneys and birth injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families through these challenging situations.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-altering. Some of the most common types include:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP):
- Caused by oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
- Symptoms include developmental delays, difficulty with motor skills, and muscle stiffness.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy):
- Results from nerve damage during difficult deliveries, especially when the baby’s shoulders are impacted.
- Can lead to paralysis or reduced movement in the arm.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE):
- Occurs when the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen.
- Can lead to long-term neurological and developmental issues.
- Fractures:
- Fractures, particularly to the clavicle, may occur during delivery due to improper handling or the use of forceps.
- Facial Paralysis:
- Can result from pressure on a baby’s face during delivery, especially if forceps or vacuum extractors are used improperly.
- Infections:
- Failure to diagnose or treat infections in the mother during pregnancy can harm the baby, leading to sepsis or other complications.
How Do Birth Injuries Happen?
Birth injuries can stem from various forms of medical negligence, including:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress.
- Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuums.
- Delayed or inappropriate C-section decisions.
- Mismanagement of prenatal or maternal health conditions.
When healthcare providers deviate from the standard of care, they can be held liable for the harm caused.
Legal Recourse for Families
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you have legal options to seek justice and financial support for their care.
- Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit:
- Families can pursue compensation for medical bills, ongoing care costs, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
- Proving negligence typically requires medical expert testimony to demonstrate how the provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- Statute of Limitations:
- Birth injury claims are time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice may differ depending on the circumstances.
- Settlement vs. Trial:
- Many birth injury cases are resolved through settlements, but experienced attorneys will prepare to take your case to trial if necessary to achieve justice.
How The Pisanchyn Law Firm Can Help
Our birth injury attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving medical negligence during labor and delivery. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to ensuring your family receives the support and compensation you deserve.
When you work with The Pisanchyn Law Firm, you gain access to:
- Expert legal representation.
- Medical professionals who can evaluate your case.
- Compassionate support to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Us Today
If your family has been affected by a birth injury, don’t wait to seek help. The Pisanchyn Law Firm’s experienced birth injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
