Monthly Archives: January 2023

Birth Injury, Philadelphia Medical Malpractice

Introduction to Birth Injuries and Cerebral Palsy

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Birth injuries can have a wide range of effects, but one of the most serious is the potential to cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s muscle control, coordination, and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain, usually before or during birth, and can lead to physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. Birth injuries are a major cause of cerebral palsy and can have life-altering consequences for those affected.

What Is A Birth Injury?

A birth injury is any type of trauma sustained by a baby during the birthing process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical negligence, an overly long labor, improper use of delivery instruments, or an undetected medical condition. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe, with some being temporary and some resulting in permanent disabilities.

How Do Birth Injuries Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy in a few different ways. The most common cause is oxygen deprivation, which occurs when the baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during the delivery process. Oxygen deprivation can be caused by a variety of factors, including an improperly used vacuum extractor, a mother with a preexisting medical condition, or an umbilical cord that is wrapped around the baby’s neck.

Another cause of cerebral palsy due to birth injury is physical trauma. Physical trauma can be caused by the improper use of delivery instruments such as forceps or a vacuum extractor, or by a prolonged labor that causes the baby’s head to become stuck in the birth canal. Physical trauma can also be caused by medical negligence, such as when a doctor fails to perform a C-section in a timely manner or fails to properly monitor the baby’s vital signs during the delivery process.  If you believe your baby’s cerebral palsy was caused by negligence, you may want to explore filing a medical malpractice claim

Finally, cerebral palsy can also be caused by an undetected medical condition that affects the baby’s brain development. This could include a genetic disorder, an infection, or a complication from a mother’s pregnancy. While these conditions are rare, they can lead to permanent damage to the baby’s brain.

Conclusion

Birth injuries can have life-altering consequences, including the potential to cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s muscle control, coordination, and posture, and can lead to physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. Birth injuries can cause cerebral palsy in a variety of ways, including oxygen deprivation, physical trauma, and undetected medical conditions. It is essential to take steps to prevent birth injuries and to seek medical advice if a birth injury is suspected.

James Goslee is an experienced medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability trial lawyer in Philadelphia.  James Goslee is a Super Lawyer who is a shareholder at CPR Law.  James Goslee can be reached at or on linked in at LinkedIn or by phone at 215-567-3500.

Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice

How to Find a Lawyer When Your Baby Suffers a Birth Injury

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Having a baby is a joyous and exciting experience for most families. Unfortunately, sometimes complications during childbirth can cause serious injuries to babies. When this happens, it can be a devastating experience for parents. To ensure that their rights are protected and that their baby receives the best possible care, it’s important for families to find a lawyer who specializes in birth injury cases. This article will provide information on how to find a lawyer when your baby suffers a birth injury.

Understand the Types of Birth Injuries

The first step to finding a lawyer when your baby suffers a birth injury is to understand the types of birth injuries that can occur. Birth injuries can be divided into two categories: those caused by medical negligence and those caused by natural causes. Medical negligence occurs when a medical professional fails to provide a standard of care that a reasonable person would expect. Natural causes, on the other hand, are caused by factors beyond the control of the medical professional, such as a baby’s size or a mother’s health.

Sometimes a birth injury can occur as a result of natural causes or medical malpractice. In these cases, you will likely need an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help identify the specific cause of a birth injury. For instance, cerebral palsy can and does occur without medical malpractice. However, sometimes cerebral palsy results from intraventricular hemorrhaging that could have been avoided had a baby been delivered sooner. Prenatal hypoxia is one cause of intraventricular hemorrhage. Causes of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Research Local Lawyers

Once you have a better understanding of the types of birth injuries that can occur, the next step is to begin researching local lawyers who specialize in birth injury cases. Start by looking for lawyers who are members of relevant legal associations.  For instance, if you are looking for an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Pennsylvania, you should search for a lawyer who is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Justice. PAJ The PAJ provides resources to help families find experienced lawyers who specialize in birth injuries.

Check the Lawyer’s Credentials

Once you have identified a few potential lawyers, it’s important to research their credentials to ensure they are qualified to handle your case. Look for lawyers who have experience in handling birth injury cases, as well as those who have a proven record of success. You should also ask for references from former clients, or look for online reviews, to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, it’s time to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, ask questions about the lawyer’s experience with birth injury cases, the process for filing a claim, and the estimated cost of their services. You should also be prepared to discuss the details of your case and provide any relevant medical records.

Make Your Decision

After your consultation, it’s time to make a decision about which lawyer to hire. Consider factors such as the lawyer’s experience, the cost of their services, and the type of compensation you may be entitled to. It’s also important to trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with.

Conclusion

When a baby suffers a birth injury, it’s important for families to find a lawyer who specializes in birth injury cases. The best way to find a lawyer is to understand the types of birth injuries that can occur, research local lawyers, check the lawyer’s credentials, schedule a consultation, and make an informed decision. With the right lawyer on your side, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that your baby receives the best possible care.

James Goslee is an experienced medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability trial lawyer in Philadelphia.  James Goslee is a Super Lawyer who is a shareholder at CPR Law.  James Goslee can be reached at or on linked in at LinkedIn or by phone at 215-567-3500.