Birth injury attorney in Allentown

Every year in the United States, thousands of infants suffer injuries during the birthing process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical malpractice, negligence, or mistakes made by medical professionals. When a baby suffers a birth injury due to medical malpractice, the family may be entitled to seek compensation through a birth injury lawsuit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 28,000 birth injuries occur in the United States each year. These injuries can range in severity, from minor bruises or cuts to serious, life-changing conditions such as cerebral palsy. In Pennsylvania, birth injuries occur at a rate of 6.87 per 1,000 live births, which is slightly higher than the national average of 6.9 per 1,000 live births.

There are several types of birth injuries that can result from medical malpractice. One of the most common is brachial plexus injuries, which occur when the nerves in the shoulder and arm are damaged during delivery. This type of injury can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm and can be caused by improper delivery techniques or the use of excessive force during delivery.

Another common type of birth injury is cerebral palsy, which is a neurological disorder that affects a child's ability to move and control their muscles. Cerebral palsy can be caused by oxygen deprivation during delivery, trauma to the head during delivery, or infections that affect the developing brain.

In many cases, birth injuries are preventable, and medical professionals are responsible for ensuring that the delivery process is carried out safely and with the best interests of the mother and child in mind. When medical professionals fail to meet this standard of care, they may be held liable for the damages that result.

Examples of birth injury cases involving medical malpractice include situations where a medical professional fails to recognize or respond appropriately to signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate or meconium staining. These signs can indicate that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen, and prompt action is necessary to prevent brain damage or other serious injuries.

In other cases, medical professionals may make mistakes during delivery, such as using excessive force or failing to use proper delivery techniques. For example, a doctor may use forceps or a vacuum extractor to assist with delivery, but if these tools are not used correctly, they can cause serious injuries to the baby.

In Pennsylvania, there have been several settlements in recent years for children who suffered severe brain damage due to oxygen deprivation during birth. Many of these lawsuits successfully showed that the medical team failed to respond appropriately to signs of fetal distress during labor, leading to the baby's injuries.

Birth injury cases can be complex and require the expertise of an experienced attorney who specializes in medical malpractice. Attorneys will work with medical experts to review medical records and determine whether the injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence.

If medical malpractice is found to be the cause of the birth injury, the family may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and other damages related to the injury. In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, so it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

Birth injuries can be devastating for families, and when they are caused by medical malpractice or negligence, the responsible parties should be held accountable. If your child has suffered a birth injury, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. With the right legal representation, you can take steps towards securing a better future for your child.

At KaplunMarx Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand the impact birth injuries can have on a family and we are committed to helping families get the justice they deserve. We have extensive experience in handling birth injury cases and are dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.