Birth injuries can be traumatizing for both a child and their family. If your child has suffered one, a Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can help you pursue justice. Welcoming a new baby into the world should be a joyous occasion. However, a birth injury can lead to serious emotional and financial challenges.
Birth Injury Lawyers Group has been helping families seek justice since 2003. If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, a Pittsburgh birth injury lawyer from our team can help. We’ll take on your case and help you pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward.
How Can a Pittsburgh Birth Injury Lawyer Help?
If your child has suffered a birth injury, a birth injury lawyer in Pittsburgh can assist with the following:
- Case evaluation: A lawyer can review medical records, consult experts, and determine whether negligence occurred.
- Evidence collection: A lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and construct a compelling argument in your favor.
- Settlement negotiations: Many cases are resolved outside of court. A skilled lawyer can negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Court representation: If settlement negotiations fail, a lawyer can advocate for you and your family in court.
Above all, a birth injury attorney can provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional is pursuing justice on behalf of your family.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
What Is the Average Payout for a Birth Injury?
Birth injury settlements vary widely from case to case. Factors that can affect a settlement amount include:
- Severity of the injury: More severe injuries requiring extensive medical care typically result in higher payouts.
- Future medical needs: Cases involving long-term or lifelong care often warrant larger settlements.
- Economic losses: The impact of the injury on the parents’ ability to work or the child’s future earning capacity can affect the value of a settlement.
A birth injury attorney in Pittsburgh can evaluate your case and estimate your potential settlement.
Pittsburgh Birth Injury Lawyer Near Me 1-800-222-9529
How Is Fault Determined in a Birth Injury Case?
Establishing fault in a birth injury case requires proving medical negligence. This involves:
- Duty of care: Demonstrating that the medical provider had an obligation to follow standard practices
- Breach of duty: Showing they deviated from these standards
- Causation: Linking their actions directly to the injury
- Damages: Proving the injury resulted in measurable harm
A birth injury attorney can gather evidence and work to hold all at-fault parties accountable.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
How Long Do You Have to Sue for a Birth Injury in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries, is typically two years. However, exceptions exist, including:
- Discovery rule: If the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the two-year clock starts when it’s discovered.
- Minors: For children, the statute of limitations may extend until their 20th birthday.
A birth injury attorney can make sure you file your claim on time.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
What Qualifies as a Birth Injury?
A birth injury refers to harm sustained by a baby during labor or delivery, often due to complications or medical errors. Not all birth injuries result from negligence, but those that do may warrant a legal claim.
What Is the Difference Between a Birth Defect and a Birth Injury?
Birth defects and birth injuries have distinct definitions:
- Birth defects: These typically stem from genetic or environmental factors before birth. Examples include congenital heart defects or spina bifida.
- Birth injuries: These occur during labor or delivery due to trauma or medical errors.
If your child has sustained a birth injury due to medical malpractice, a birth injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries often result from:
- Prolonged labor: Delayed delivery can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing severe brain damage or other complications.
- Improper use of tools: Misuse of medical devices, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can result in physical trauma or nerve damage.
- Failure to monitor: Neglecting to address signs of fetal distress can lead to preventable injuries such as hypoxia or infections.
- Medication errors: Administering incorrect dosages or inappropriate drugs during labor can have harmful effects on both mother and baby.
Common Types of Birth Injury Cases
Some of the most common types of birth injuries that families file claims for include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Brain injuries
- Fractures, including broken clavicles or limbs
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Spinal cord injuries
Contact a Pittsburgh Birth Injury Attorney Today
Navigating the aftermath of a birth injury can be overwhelming. In the midst of such a difficult time, it’s natural to be unsure about how to seek justice.
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. A Pittsburgh birth injury attorney from Birth Injury Lawyers Group can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the damages your family is entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation today to take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."