Birth Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA
Last updated on June 15, 2026
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Giving birth is simultaneously a precious and grueling experience, and the consequences can be devastating if the child or mother are injured. Holding a liable party accountable for a birth injury is often easier said than done, but it is possible with the counseling of a skilled Pennsylvania attorney.
At Phillips Froetschel, LLC, Laura Phillips and Joe Froetschel have more than 40 years of combined experience representing clients throughout their injury claims. Both Laura and Joe have been inducted into the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County and the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Southwestern Pennsylvania, honors that reflect our attorneys’ trial skills and professionalism.
When you retain us, we recognize what is at stake in these kinds of cases, which is why we work tirelessly to pursue the outcome our clients deserve when they come to us for help.
Birth Injury Cases We Help With
Our experience can be a winning advantage for our clients. In the years that we have been holding doctors and other medical professionals accountable for causing a birth injury, we have helped families recover from injuries related to:
Hypoxic injury, such as HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) or cerebral palsy
Conditions caused when the child’s brain and body do not receive adequate oxygen or blood flow.
Cervical cerclage
The process of keeping a weakened cervix closed throughout the pregnancy, with the goal of keeping the fetus in the uterus until it is time to give birth.
Preterm labor
Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy and which can lead to premature birth and devastating health implications for the child.
No matter how your birth injury occurred, we will review your unique case to determine what duty your doctor had to you and your child, how they failed that duty, what injuries resulted from that failure and the cost of those injuries.
Our goal as your lawyers is to provide you with compensation that accurately reflects the current and future costs of your birth injury, including medical expenses, lost income, loss of bodily function, medical equipment and at-home accommodations for any resulting disability. In short, we want to ensure that you and your family have all of the resources that you need to deal with the consequences of another’s negligence. Our attorneys are experienced and highly skilled at guiding clients through birth injury and medical malpractice cases.
What Injury Signs Or Symptoms Might Pittsburgh Parents Notice?
Birth injuries are not always visible right after delivery. While some signs are immediate, others can take months or years to surface. Parents should stay alert and track their child’s development closely. Early or obvious signs may include:
- Bruising or swelling on the head or shoulders
- Limited movement in arms or legs
- A floppy or unusually stiff body tone
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
On the other hand, delayed or subtle symptoms to watch for include:
- Missed developmental milestones (like sitting or crawling)
- Speech or language delays
- Seizures or unusual eye movements
- Poor coordination or balance
Certain patterns may point to specific conditions. For instance:
- Cerebral palsy: Stiff or floppy limbs, poor motor control or delayed motor skills
- Brachial plexus injuries: One arm hanging limp, limited shoulder movement or weakness on one side
Even if the signs are mild or slow to emerge, they should not be ignored. Early evaluation and documentation can make a critical difference.
Everything You Need Before Filling a Birth Injury Case in Pennsylvania
Health practitioners should monitor the process of giving birth at all costs to ensure safety. Unfortunately, in some cases, medical negligence can lead to birth injuries, impacting the lives of both parents and the child.
As a parent, you have the legal right to seek compensation for the physical, emotional and financial uncertainties that birth injuries can impose on your family. With the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney, you can hold responsible parties accountable for any lapses in medical care. Here are the things you should gather for your consultation:
- Comprehensive medical records: Gather detailed medical records related to prenatal care, ultrasound reports and the entire labor and delivery process to provide the necessary evidence to support the case.
- Hospital records: Obtain records from the hospital where the birth took place. They should include information about the labor and delivery process, any interventions and the immediate postnatal care provided.
- Photographic evidence: If available, collect photographic evidence related to the birth, e.g., images of medical procedures, equipment used and the immediate condition of the child after birth.
- Financial documentation: Keep records of all medical bills, expenses related to the child’s care and any potential future costs to help determine the extent of damages.
- Witness statements: Obtain statements from witnesses present during the birth, including medical professionals, family members or other individuals with relevant information.
The more information that you have available, the easier it will be for a birth injury attorney to evaluate your claim and proceed with the case. It is also important that you are prepared for a lengthy process. Birth injury claims require a lot of careful exploration. Expert witnesses will likely be involved. The negotiation process can take some time, and a case that goes to trial may take several years to resolve.
Why Do Birth Injuries Happen?
Birth injuries are often the result of avoidable mistakes made during pregnancy, labor or delivery. Medical professionals have a duty to act quickly and carefully, but that does not always happen. Common causes of preventable birth injuries include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum tools
- Delays in performing an emergency C-section
- Ignoring complications like breech position or umbilical cord problems
Parties who might be responsible include the delivering doctor, nurses or midwives, anesthesiologists and the hospital or medical facility. When communication fails, or medical protocols are not followed, the results can be life-changing for a newborn and their family.
How Long Do You Have to File a Birth Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, parents generally have two years to file a birth injury lawsuit. However, when the injury involves a minor, that deadline usually does not start until the child turns 18. Still, it is important not to wait. Early action matters because:
- Medical records can be lost or altered over time
- Witnesses’ memories may fade
- Physical evidence may no longer be available
Reaching out to a birth injury attorney early helps preserve evidence and build a stronger case for your child’s future.
Get a Free Consultation with a Pittsburgh Birth Injury Attorney
When you come to our Pittsburgh office, you will meet our team and immediately recognize that we are as committed to your needs as you are. Laura Phillips and Joe Froetschel personally handle their cases. We are not a law firm that settles for “good enough” results, and we are dedicated to helping you earn the outcome you deserve.
If you are ready to schedule your free initial consultation with Laura or Joe, call us at 412-643-0682 or email us here today.