What is a birth injury malpractice claim?
A birth injury malpractice claim asks whether a doctor, nurse, midwife, hospital or other provider failed to meet accepted medical standards before, during or after delivery, and whether that failure caused avoidable harm to the baby, mother or family.
Quick answer
Families may have a birth injury claim when warning signs were missed, fetal distress was not addressed, an emergency delivery was delayed, a delivery tool was misused, or a newborn did not receive timely care and the mistake caused lasting injury.
Common birth injury issues we investigate
- Hypoxic injury, including HIE and oxygen-deprivation injuries
- Cerebral palsy and other neurological injuries
- Brachial plexus and shoulder dystocia injuries
- Delayed emergency C-section or failure to respond to fetal distress
- Misuse of forceps, vacuum extraction or other delivery tools
- Errors involving preterm labor, cervical cerclage or high-risk pregnancy monitoring
Signs a family should ask questions
A difficult delivery, a sudden emergency transfer, unusual newborn testing, seizures, low Apgar scores, cooling therapy, NICU admission, delayed milestones or a diagnosis such as HIE or cerebral palsy can all justify a closer review of the medical records.
How Phillips Froetschel helps
Our attorneys review prenatal, labor, delivery and neonatal records; identify key timing questions; consult qualified medical experts; and pursue compensation for medical care, therapy, equipment, home modifications, lost earning capacity and other long-term needs.
Frequently asked questions about birth injury claims
What types of birth injury cases does the firm handle?
Phillips Froetschel evaluates serious claims involving HIE, cerebral palsy, oxygen deprivation, delayed C-section, fetal monitoring problems, brachial plexus injury and other preventable delivery-related harm.
Can a birth injury case involve both the mother and child?
Yes. Some cases involve injuries to a newborn, injuries to the mother, or both. A legal review should consider every person harmed by the medical decisions at issue.
How long do families have to act in Pennsylvania?
Deadlines can be different for parents and children, and evidence becomes harder to preserve over time. Families should speak with a Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer as soon as possible after a suspected preventable injury.
What compensation may be available?
Compensation may include medical expenses, future care, therapy, assistive equipment, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of bodily function and other damages supported by the facts of the case.
Speak with a Pittsburgh birth injury attorney
Call 412-546-5220 to request a free consultation with Phillips Froetschel, LLC.
