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Birth Injury Info Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Injuries

Q: What's the difference between a birth defect and a birth injury?

A: Birth injuries are generally caused by something that went wrong during delivery itself, while birth defects usually involve harm to a baby that arose prior to birth due to something that happened during or before the pregnancy.

Q: What kinds of situations give rise to a lawsuit for birth injuries?

A: Most of these cases occur when a doctor fails to adequately assess or respond to conditions and/or complications during a woman's pregnancy or delivery, or when a woman takes a prescription drug during pregnancy that causes harm to the baby.

An obstetrician's improper use of medical devices (such as forceps or a vacuum) during child delivery can result in an injury to the baby that is legally avoidable under personal injury and medical malpractice laws.

Birth Injuries Information Center

Richards & Richards, LLP Birth Injury Lawyers Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Few things in life are more wonderful than the birth of a child. But if an obstetrician, gynecologist, nurse, or other hospital worker makes a mistake, the child's health and future can be forever impaired. The only recourse, for most people, is to determine whether they can take the medical professional(s) responsible to court to recover compensation to help their child recover and have the best future possible. The following is meant to provide you with a general overview of the law pertaining to birth injuries, please contact us to discuss your unique situation.

We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations, and if you are unable to make it to our Pittsburgh-area office, our lawyers can come to you. We would love nothing more than to help you through this difficult time. Please contact us today.

We serve Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Johnstown, Sharon, New Castle, Butler, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Kittanning, Washington, Indiana, and throughout Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Beaver County, Mercer County, Lawrence County, Armstrong County, Washington County, Cambria County, and Indiana County.

Birth Injuries - An Overview

When having a child, the last thing parents want or need to worry about is the possibility of their baby being harmed during the delivery. While most births go smoothly, some have complications. It is estimated that five out of every 1000 children born in the US will suffer some type of birth injury. Birth injuries can range from minor, like bruising, to a life-altering diagnosis of cerebral palsy. If your child was injured at birth, contact an attorney to learn more about your legal options. A lawyer experienced in birth injury litigation can help you understand your rights.

Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts

Not all birth injuries or defects can be prevented, but a mother has some power to increase her chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. If your child was injured at birth, consult an attorney to learn about your rights to compensation.

Responsible Parties in Birth Injury Cases

If your child suffered a birth injury, there are several parties who may be responsible for your child's injuries, including the treating physician, assisting staff and the hospital.

Prescription Medications

If you or a loved one is pregnant and taking prescription medication, one of the best ways to prevent a birth defect or injury to your baby is to understand the prescription process and prescriptions themselves. Prescription medications can be confusing, dangerous and expensive. If your child was injured at birth, consult an attorney to learn about your rights to compensation.

Cerebral Palsy & Erb's Palsy

Some of the most common birth injuries are two very different conditions known as cerebral palsy and Erb's (or brachial) palsy. Cerebral and Erb's palsy are often the result of complications during child delivery itself, though cerebral palsy also can occur before or after delivery.

Birth Injuries Resource Links

KidsHealth.org
Provides doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence.

The Food and Drug Law Institute
Examines the laws, regulations and policies related to drugs, medical devices, other health care technologies and foods.

United Cerebral Palsy
Provides information, links and resources on cerebral palsy.

Prenatal Care
Resource provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services offering information on prenatal care, including types of foods to eat and substances to avoid.

National Patient Safety Foundation
Non-profit organization providing patient safety literature, research, policy initiatives and more.

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Warrendale, Pennsylvania
15086-1546
Call Us: 866-740-3999
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With our Main office located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA), our attorneys are happy to evaluate medical malpractice cases from all over Pennsylvania including Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Sharon, New Castle, Butler, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Kittanning, Washington, Indiana, New Kensington, Monroeville, Murrysville, Latrobe and throughout Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Beaver County, Mercer County, Fayette County, Lawrence County, Armstrong County, Washington County, Cambria County, and Indiana County.