Pennsylvania Birth Injuries Attorneys

When you go into labor, you trust health care providers to keep both you and your baby safe. You expect them to be alert, skilled, and careful every step of the way. Unfortunately, medical mistakes happen. If your child was injured during birth, your family is likely facing an uncertain future and overwhelming medical bills.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, our birth injury lawyers know that while some complications can’t be stopped, many are caused by preventable errors. As former prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys, we know how to fight. We work to hold negligent doctors and hospitals accountable to get your child the financial support they need for long-term care.

Common Types Of Birth Injuries

It is important to know the difference between a birth defect and a birth injury. Birth defects are usually genetic or happen while the baby is still growing in the womb. A birth injury, however, is physical damage that happens during labor or delivery.

Our birth injury lawyers have handled many cases where a baby was hurt because of physical trauma or a lack of oxygen during birth. Common injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy and HIE: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the baby. This often leads to cerebral palsy, which can affect a child’s movement and muscle tone for the rest of their life.
• Brachial plexus injuries: These happen when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck (shoulder dystocia) during delivery. This can damage the nerves in the shoulder and arm, leading to conditions like Erb’s palsy.
• Fractures and facial injuries: If a doctor uses too much pressure, a baby can suffer a broken collarbone, skull fractures or nerve damage that paralyzes parts of the face.
• Brain bleeding: If doctors are not careful when using tools like forceps or vacuums, it can cause dangerous bleeding in or around the baby’s brain.
• Severe jaundice (Kernicterus): Most babies have mild jaundice, but it becomes a birth injury if doctors fail to treat it. If ignored, high jaundice levels can cause a preventable type of permanent brain damage called Kernicterus.

Our legal team helps families in Chester County, Montgomery County and Delaware County determine if a doctor’s negligence turned a joyful moment into a lifelong struggle.

Common Causes Of Birth Injuries

Doctors and nurses must monitor both the mother and the baby every minute during labor. When they fail to follow basic safety steps, the results can change a child’s life forever. Common medical mistakes include:

• Ignoring fetal distress: Failing to act quickly when heart rate monitors show the baby is struggling or not getting enough oxygen.
• Waiting too long for a C-section: Delaying an emergency surgery when a natural birth is clearly becoming dangerous.
• Misusing delivery tools: Using too much force or being careless with tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor.
• Failing to spot health issues: Missing warning signs of infections or conditions like high blood pressure (preeclampsia) that put the baby at risk.

The womb is a vulnerable environment that requires constant, expert care. A doctor or health care provider who isn’t careful during the critical window of labor and delivery can cause catastrophic, permanent harm to an innocent child.

We Hold Those Responsible After A Birth Injury In Pennsylvania

When a birth injury occurs, our birth injury lawyers look at the actions of the obstetricians, labor and delivery nurses, and the hospital itself to see exactly where the care fell short. We’re ready to fight for the justice and financial support your family needs to move forward.

To speak with an experienced trial attorney, contact our offices in Pennsylvania by calling 610-314-7066 or completing this online form today. Free consultations are available.