Glenn Mills Birth Injury Lawyer

A birth injury can have lifelong consequences for both the child and their family. If medical negligence played a role in your baby’s injury, you have the right to seek justice. Kingbird Legal’s birth injury lawyers in Glenn Mills will work to ensure your child receives the necessary care and support. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your child’s future.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Birth Injuries and How Legal Support Can Help
Birth injuries are often the result of medical negligence during labor and delivery. While some injuries heal over time, others have lifelong consequences for the child and their family. Parents may face years of physical, emotional, and financial challenges as they care for a child with a birth injury. Understanding the long-term effects of these injuries is crucial in navigating the complex legal process and seeking the compensation needed to support the child’s care and future well-being.
Common Birth Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
There are several types of birth injuries that can affect a child, each with its own set of potential long-term consequences. While some injuries may be immediately apparent, others may not become evident until months or years later. Below are some of the most common birth injuries and their long-term effects.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that is often caused by a lack of oxygen during delivery, leading to brain damage. This condition can affect a child’s ability to move, control muscles, and maintain balance. The severity of cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe, and many children with CP require lifelong care. This may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and specialized equipment to assist with mobility. In severe cases, individuals with CP may never be able to walk or communicate effectively. The long-term effects of cerebral palsy can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming for both the child and the family.
Brachial Plexus Injury
A brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerves controlling the arm and hand are damaged during delivery. This can happen if excessive force is used during a difficult birth or if the baby’s shoulder gets stuck in the birth canal. The injury can range from mild to severe, and some children experience long-term weakness or loss of function in one or both arms. In some cases, surgery or physical therapy may be needed to improve the child’s mobility. However, in severe cases, the injury may result in permanent disability.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is a specific type of brachial plexus injury that typically results from shoulder dystocia, a condition where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery. This injury can cause paralysis or limited movement in the arm. While some children recover with therapy or surgery, others may face permanent impairments. The long-term effects of Erb’s palsy can impact a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, or playing sports. The condition can also affect the child’s self-esteem as they grow older and experience difficulties with physical activities.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen to the baby during labor and delivery. This condition can lead to cognitive delays, learning disabilities, motor impairments, and seizures. The long-term effects of HIE can vary depending on the extent of the injury, but many children require ongoing medical care, therapy, and special education. In severe cases, HIE can result in permanent brain damage, leading to lifelong challenges for both the child and the family.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord during birth can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often occur when there is excessive force during delivery or when the baby is in an abnormal position. The severity of spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe, with some children experiencing partial loss of movement and others facing full paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can require extensive medical care and therapy, and they often result in a permanent disability. The financial burden of caring for a child with a spinal cord injury can be significant, especially when considering the costs of specialized equipment, therapy, and home modifications.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
The long-term effects of birth injuries can place a significant emotional and financial strain on families. Parents may experience feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness as they navigate the challenges of caring for a child with a disability. Additionally, the emotional toll of seeing a child suffer from a preventable injury can be overwhelming.
The financial burden of a birth injury is equally challenging. Medical bills, physical therapy costs, and the need for special equipment can add up quickly. In many cases, parents may need to take time off work to care for their child, leading to a loss of income. Some children with birth injuries will require lifelong medical care, making it difficult for families to make ends meet without financial assistance.
How Legal Support Can Make a Difference
When a birth injury occurs due to medical negligence, it is essential for families to seek legal support. A Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can help parents navigate the complex legal system and pursue compensation for the damages their child has suffered. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and the long-term care needed for a child with a birth injury.
Investigating the Cause of the Injury
A birth injury lawyer will begin by investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury. This involves reviewing medical records, speaking to witnesses, and consulting with medical experts. Understanding the cause of the injury is crucial in determining whether medical negligence played a role in the child’s condition. If the injury occurred due to a preventable mistake, such as improper use of medical instruments or failure to monitor the baby’s health, the responsible parties may be held liable for the harm caused.
Calculating the Full Extent of Damages
In a birth injury case, it is essential to calculate the full extent of the damages to ensure that the family receives fair compensation. A birth injury lawyer will work with medical experts and economists to determine the lifetime costs of care for the child. This includes the cost of medical treatments, therapy, special education, and any other expenses related to the child’s condition. The lawyer will also consider the emotional and psychological impact of the injury on the family. By accounting for both short-term and long-term expenses, a birth injury lawyer can help ensure that the family receives compensation that meets their needs.
Pursuing Compensation
Once the extent of the damages is determined, a birth injury lawyer will work to secure compensation for the family. This may involve negotiating with insurance companies, pursuing a settlement, or taking the case to trial. A skilled lawyer will ensure that the family’s rights are protected and will fight for a fair outcome. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by a birth injury, compensation can provide families with the resources they need to care for their child and ensure their well-being.
Reach Out to a Trusted Birth Injury Attorney
The long-term effects of birth injuries can be life-changing for both the child and their family. From medical costs to emotional challenges, birth injuries can place a significant burden on parents. If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, it is important to seek legal support from an experienced birth injury lawyer. A Pennsylvania lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and secure the compensation your family deserves.
Kingbird Legal’s birth injury attorneys in Glenn Mills are dedicated to fighting for your child’s future and securing the compensation necessary for medical care and support. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process.