White Oak Birth Injuries Lawyer

A birth injury is a traumatic event that can occur during the delivery process, causing harm to the newborn. These injuries can happen before, during, or after delivery, and they often result from medical negligence, failure to monitor maternal health, or improper use of delivery tools. When a birth injury occurs, families need to seek legal representation to help them through the complexities of the legal system and protect their rights.

If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury in White Oak, we understand the pain and frustration you may be feeling. Birth injuries can have lasting consequences, impacting both the child and the entire family. At Pribanic & Pribanic, we are here to help navigate this difficult time and seek justice on your behalf. Our experienced White Oak birth injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process.

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Table of Contents

• Why Choose Pribanic & Pribanic for Birth Injury Cases
• Causes of Birth Injuries
• Types of Birth Injuries
• What Is Your Birth Injury Case Worth?
• Where Do Birth Injuries Happen in White Oak?
• Fighting the Insurance Company After a Birth Injury
• What to Do After Suffering a Birth Injury
• Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury? Contact Pribanic & Pribanic Today

Why Choose Pribanic & Pribanic for Birth Injury Cases

A birth injury can profoundly affect your child’s life and place immense strain on your family. The physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with these injuries can be overwhelming. At Pribanic & Pribanic, we are committed to providing skilled and compassionate legal support to help families through this difficult time. With decades of experience and a history of success, we are here to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Decades of Experience in Birth Injury Law

Since 1982, Pribanic & Pribanic has been a trusted advocate for families impacted by medical negligence. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has the skills to handle complex birth injury cases, from investigating the cause of the injury to holding negligent medical providers accountable.

Proven Results You Can Trust

We have secured significant verdicts and settlements, including multi-million-dollar recoveries, for families dealing with birth injuries caused by delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to monitor fetal distress. We work tirelessly to ensure families receive compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Client-Centered Advocacy

At Pribanic & Pribanic, we understand that every birth injury case is unique. We provide personalized representation, tailoring our strategies to your family’s specific needs and offering consistent communication throughout the legal process.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. This allows you to focus on your child’s care while we handle the legal details.

Dedicated Advocates for Your Family’s Recovery

At Pribanic & Pribanic, our mission goes beyond financial compensation. We are committed to holding negligent medical providers accountable and ensuring your family receives the resources needed for your child’s long-term care and recovery. We understand the emotional toll that birth injuries take on families, and we are here to provide compassionate guidance, unwavering dedication, and support at every stage of your journey toward healing.

Your Case Is Our Priority

When you choose Pribanic & Pribanic, you can trust that your case will receive the focus and care it deserves. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we are by your side, advocating tirelessly on your behalf. We pride ourselves on treating every client with respect and empathy, ensuring that your family’s needs are at the forefront of our efforts.

Our White Oak office is conveniently located west of I-76 and south of Highway 30 at:

1735 Lincoln Way

White Oak, PA 15131

(412) 672-5444

Causes of Birth Injuries

Some of the leading causes of birth injuries include medical negligence, failure to monitor maternal health, and improper use of delivery tools. Medical negligence during childbirth can occur when healthcare professionals fail to provide the necessary standard of care. This can include errors in monitoring the baby’s vital signs, failure to recognize signs of distress, or a delayed response to complications that may require emergency intervention.

Failure to monitor maternal health adequately can also lead to birth injuries. Conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or infections can increase the risk of complications during delivery. Healthcare providers should carefully monitor these conditions and take appropriate measures to minimize potential harm.

Improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause severe birth injuries. These tools should only be used when necessary and by highly trained professionals. Improper use can result in trauma to the baby’s head, leading to brain injuries or other physical impairments.

Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can manifest in various ways, each with its own set of consequences and challenges. Some common types of birth injuries include Cerebral Palsy, Brachial Plexus Injuries, Fractures, Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma, Intracranial Hemorrhage, and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Understanding these injuries can help families recognize the signs and seek legal support.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a child’s movement, muscle control, and coordination. It can be caused by oxygen deprivation during birth or trauma to the brain during delivery. The long-term effects of Cerebral Palsy can include motor function impairments, developmental challenges, and cognitive impairments.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial Plexus Injuries occur when the nerves in the baby’s shoulder and upper arm are damaged during delivery. This can happen when excessive force is applied, or delivery tools are used improperly. Specific conditions related to Brachial Plexus Injuries include Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy, which can result in weakness or paralysis of the affected arm.

Fractures

Fractures can occur during delivery when excessive force is applied to the baby’s bones. Commonly fractured bones include the clavicle and humerus. While fractures can heal over time, ensuring proper medical care and monitoring potential complications during recovery is essential.

Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma

Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma are conditions that involve swelling or blood pooling on the baby’s head. Caput Succedaneum is typically caused by prolonged labor or the use of vacuum extractors, while Cephalohematoma results from the rupture of blood vessels beneath the skull. While these conditions may resolve on their own, they can sometimes lead to complications that require medical attention.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial Hemorrhage refers to bleeding in the brain, usually resulting from traumatic births. This condition can cause significant damage to the brain and may lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairments, or other long-term complications. Early detection and proper medical intervention are vital for minimizing the impact of Intracranial Hemorrhage.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) occurs when the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen during delivery. Complications such as umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, or prolonged labor can result in this serious condition. HIE can have severe consequences for the baby’s brain development and can lead to long-term disabilities. Timely treatment is critical to minimize the damage caused by HIE.

What Is Your Birth Injury Case Worth?

Determining the value of a birth injury case involves various factors that influence the compensation families may receive. Medical expenses, costs of home modifications and specialized equipment, lost earnings for parents, and potential future earning potential for the child are essential. Additionally, the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury are also taken into account.

Factors That Influence Compensation

The compensation awarded in a birth injury case reflects the expenses and damages incurred due to the injury. Some factors that influence compensation include:

• Medical expenses: The immediate and long-term costs of treatments, therapies, and surgeries play a significant role in determining compensation.
• Costs of home modifications and specialized equipment: Many birth injuries require alterations to the home environment and the need for assistive devices. These costs should be considered when seeking compensation.
• Lost income for parents: If parents have to take time off work to care for their injured child, compensation can be sought for the income lost during that period.
• Future earning potential for the child: If the birth injury affects the child’s ability to work in the future, potential future earning potential can be evaluated and factored into the compensation.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: The physical and emotional toll that the birth injury has on the child and the family can also be considered when determining compensation.

The severity of the birth injury and its lifelong impact are significant factors that determine compensation. An analysis of medical records, financial needs, and the potential for punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence will also be considered. A knowledgeable White Oak birth injury attorney from our firm can evaluate all the relevant factors and help families pursue the compensation they deserve.

Where Do Birth Injuries Happen in White Oak?

Birth injuries can happen in various healthcare settings across White Oak and the surrounding areas, such as the following:

Hospitals Serving White Oak

White Oak residents often rely on nearby hospitals for labor and delivery services. Some of the prominent healthcare facilities in the area include:

• UPMC McKeesport: Located near White Oak, this hospital provides maternity and neonatal care. Birth injuries can occur if proper protocols are not followed during high-risk deliveries or if emergency interventions are delayed.
• Jefferson Hospital: Part of the Allegheny Health Network, this hospital serves the region and handles a variety of obstetric cases. Mistakes in monitoring maternal or fetal health can lead to preventable birth injuries.
• UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital (Pittsburgh): Families in White Oak may travel to this specialized women’s hospital for complicated or high-risk pregnancies. Despite its reputation, errors in care, such as delayed cesarean sections or improper use of delivery tools, can still result in injuries.

Birthing Centers

• Some families in White Oak choose nearby birthing centers for a more personalized or natural childbirth experience. While these facilities may offer comfort, they sometimes lack the advanced medical equipment needed for emergencies, which can increase the risk of birth injuries.

Home Births with Midwives or Doulas

• Home births are an option for some families in White Oak. However, if the attending midwife or doula fails to recognize complications or delays in transferring the mother to a hospital, the likelihood of a birth injury increases.

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Birth Injury

Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts and protecting their profits. They are known for employing various tactics to reduce the amount they have to pay in compensation. Some common tactics include:

• Denying liability or blaming external factors for the birth injury.
• Offering low settlements to avoid litigation and expedite closure.
• Delaying claims to frustrate families into accepting a lower settlement out of desperation.
• Disputing the severity of damages or medical expenses.

Having the representation of a compassionate White Oak birth injury attorney from our firm can help families counter these insurance company tactics. Our skilled attorneys understand the nuances of birth injury cases and can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation. They can protect families’ rights and advocate for their best interests throughout the legal process.

What to Do After Suffering a Birth Injury

If your child has suffered a birth injury, there are several imperative steps you should take to protect their health, well-being, and legal rights.

Follow Treatment Plans

Adhere to all recommended treatment plans for your child. It includes attending medical appointments, following prescribed therapies, and providing necessary medications. Consistent medical care can help monitor and manage the effects of the birth injury.

Keep Receipts and Records

Document all the expenses related to the birth injury. It includes medical bills, therapy costs, prescription medications, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Keeping organized records will help quantify the financial impact of the birth injury when seeking compensation.

Maintain a Journal

Track your child’s progress, symptoms, and challenges in a journal. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence in your birth injury case, demonstrating the effects of the injury on your child’s daily life and development.

Consult a White Oak Birth Injury Attorney

Contacting one of our qualified White Oak birth injury lawyers is vital to the success of your case. They can evaluate your situation, guide you on your legal rights, gather essential evidence, and represent your best interests during the legal process.

Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury? Contact Pribanic & Pribanic Today

Cheryl Penrod, White Oak Birth Injuries Lawyer

Experiencing a birth injury can be an overwhelming and devastating experience for both your child and your family. However, with the proper support and legal representation, you can seek justice and compensation for the harm caused. At Pribanic & Pribanic, our seasoned White Oak birth injury lawyers are ready to be your advocates in this challenging journey.

Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Trust Pribanic & Pribanic to guide you through the legal process and fight for your child’s future. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Let us provide you with the support and experience you need to secure the justice and compensation your child deserves. Call us now at (412) 672-5444 to speak with one of our dedicated birth injury attorneys.

Pribanic & Pribanic – White Oak, PA Office

1735 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, United States
Phone: 412-672-5444

Fax: 412-672-3715