in Birth Injury

What Should Parents Document After a Suspected Birth Injury?

by Raynes & Lawn
parents with their child and happy to have their baby home before they notice sign of birth injury

What Parents Should Document After a Suspected Birth Injury in Pennsylvania

When a child suffers a birth injury, it can be a devastating and traumatic experience for the entire family. Suppose you suspect your baby suffered a preventable injury during labor and delivery in Pennsylvania. In that case, knowing your legal rights and what steps to take to protect your child is essential. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can help guide you through this challenging process and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Raynes & Lawn Trial Lawyers has decades of experience guiding clients through birth injury cases. Our talented and dedicated attorneys can give you personalized and strategic attention. Call our offices today at 1-800-535-1797for your free consultation. 

Understanding the Signs and Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can occur due to many factors, including medical negligence by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers. Some common causes include:

  • Failure to properly monitor fetal distress signals  

  • Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors

  • Failure to perform a timely emergency C-section

  • Oxygen deprivation to the baby (hypoxia)

If your newborn shows any of these signs of a potential birth injury, it’s crucial to speak with a birth injury attorney in Philadelphia right away:

  • Seizures

  • Difficulty breathing or feeding  

  • Muscle stiffness or limpness

  • Facial paralysis

A catastrophic birth injury lawyer in PA can investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth to determine if malpractice occurred. They will fight to hold the negligent parties accountable.

Key Evidence to Document for Your Birth Injury Case

To build a solid legal case, your traumatic birth injury lawyer will need you to gather critical pieces of evidence, including:

  

  • All medical records related to prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postnatal care

  • Photographs of the baby’s injuries

  • Witness statements from delivery room staff or family members present

  • Documentation of all medical expenses

Keep detailed notes about conversations with doctors and obtain a copy of the complete medical file. An experienced birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia can help you collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.

The Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Claims in Pennsylvania

Knowing the legal deadlines for filing a birth injury lawsuit is essential. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered. With the exception, a minor child has until their 20th birthday to file a birth injury claim. However, it is best to consult with a birth injury attorney in Philadelphia as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed promptly.

How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family

An experienced Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer, like those at Raynes & Lawn Trial Lawyers, can provide invaluable guidance and support for your family during this challenging time. They can:

  • Thoroughly investigate the case to identify all liable parties  

  • Gather and preserve vital evidence to build a strong claim

  • Consult with respected medical experts to prove negligence caused the injury  

  • Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies

  • Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

You should not have to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Let a skilled birth injury attorney in Philadelphia handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your child’s treatment and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the most common birth injury?

Brain damage or brain trauma is often the result of intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding around or in the brain), oxygen deprivation, blood clots, and other complications.

  1. How much is the average birth injury settlement?  

Birth injury settlements can range widely depending on the injury’s severity and the case’s specific facts. Some settlements may be in hundreds or even millions of dollars. A birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia can assess your case to determine its potential value.

  1. What are the chances of winning a birth injury lawsuit?

With solid evidence of negligence and causation, birth injury lawsuits can have a high likelihood of success. One analysis found that plaintiffs won about 60% of birth injury trials. Having an experienced catastrophic birth injury lawyer in PA is critical.

  1. Can I sue a hospital for a traumatic birth?  

Yes, you can sue a hospital, doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider whose negligence caused a preventable traumatic birth injury. These lawsuits often allege medical malpractice. A traumatic birth injury attorney in Pennsylvania can advise you of your legal options.

  1. How can I find the best birth injury lawyer near me?

To find the best birth injury lawyer, look for an attorney with proven experience in successfully handling birth injury claims. Read former client testimonials, check the law firm’s track record, and schedule a consultation to discuss your case. Choosing the right oxygen deprivation birth injury lawyer can make all the difference for your child’s future.

Work with the Best Birth Injury Attorney Near You

Don’t hesitate to contact our talented and knowledgeable birth injury lawyers at Raynes & Lawn Trial Lawyers to protect your rights and your child’s future. Justice may be a long process, but the outcome and results our attorneys achieve can make a tremendous difference for your family. Call us today at 1(800) 535-1797 for more information.