Skilled Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers
The birth of a child should be one of life’s happiest moments. When medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery cause a serious birth injury, families are often left facing overwhelming medical expenses, uncertainty about the future, and pressure from insurance companies to move forward before they fully understand what happened.
At Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP, our attorneys represent children and families throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey and across Pennsylvania in complex medical malpractice cases. We understand the devastating emotional and financial impact a birth injury has on the family, and we are committed to helping families obtain the answers, and compensation they deserve.
With offices in Philadelphia, Wayne, Bala Cynwyd, and Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, we provide personalized representation backed by meticulous preparation, direct attorney involvement, and a trial-ready approach. From your initial consultation through the resolution of your case, you will work directly with experienced attorneys who will keep you informed every step of the way. You are not just a number.
If you believe medical negligence during childbirth may have harmed your child, contact the skilled attorneys at Astor Weiss.
Common Types Of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries range in severity, but many share a common cause – preventable medical mistakes during labor and delivery. Common examples include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy
- Hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation
- Skull and bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Other trauma related birth injuries
These injuries may extensive medical treatment, assistive equipment and long term care. Our birth injury lawyers in Philadelphia can help you obtain the compensation that is needed and deserved.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Many birth injuries are caused when healthcare providers fail to recognize or respond to complications during pregnancy, labor or delivery. When accepted medical standards are not followed, serious and permanent injuries can occur.
Common examples of medical negligence includes:
- Failure to monitor fetal heart rate and recognize signs of fetal distress
- Delayed response to complications resulting in emergency delivery
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum devices
- Medication errors involving labor-inducing drugs or anesthesia
- Failure to diagnose or timely respond to maternal or fetal complications
- Inadequate communication between all those involved in the care of the mother and child during pregnancy, labor and delivery
When these issues lead to harm, a birth injury lawsuit may be an option.
Who May Be Responsible For A Birth Injury?
Determining liability requires a careful investigation into what occurred before, during, and immediately after pregnancy, labor and delivery. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with one or more healthcare providers or medical institutions including:
- Obstetricians or delivering physicians, nurses, or midwives
- Labor and delivery staff
- Hospitals and medical systems
- Anesthesiologists or consulting specialists
Identifying every responsible party is an important step in securing the full compensation that may be available.
Statute Of Limitations For A Birth Injury Case
Pennsylvania medical malpractice claims generally have a two-year deadline, but cases involving minors can follow different timing rules. Because deadlines can be strict and fact-specific, it is important to act quickly to protect the claim.
Because important evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can be complex, families should consult an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as they suspect medical negligence.
How Can We Help
Birth injury litigation is among the most complex areas of medical malpractice law. These cases require a thorough review of medical records, consultation with highly qualified medical experts, and a detailed understanding of both medicine and the law.
We will:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding the birth
- Obtain and analyze medical records
- Work with nationally recognized medical experts
- Identify all responsible healthcare providers
- Prepare every case as though it will proceed to trial, but also negotiate aggressively for a settlement if appropriate.
Contact Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP, For Help In Philadelphia
If you believe medical negligence during childbirth harmed your child, contact Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP, in Pennsylvania. Call 215-790-0100 or reach out through the online contact form to discuss your next steps.
