When a newborn suffers harm during delivery, the immediate focus should be on care and stability. You could be left to sort through medical terms, bills, and paperwork while trying to understand what happened. In these moments, guidance from an experienced Allentown birth injury lawyer could be invaluable.
Our medical malpractice attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos could review medical records, work with independent specialists, and handle communication with insurers or hospitals. A legal counsel could also help manage deadlines, preserve evidence, and clearly explain your options. While no lawyer can guarantee an outcome, informed advice could give you the direction you need during an overwhelming time.
Birth injury cases often fall under medical malpractice law. To succeed, a claimant must prove that a health care provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care that caused the injury and the resulting damages. Pennsylvania requires a certificate of merit within 60 days of filing, confirming that a qualified professional believes the care was below standard.
The statute of limitations is generally two years, but it does not commence for minors until they reach the age of 18. There is also a seven-year statute of repose, though exceptions apply in certain circumstances. The court usually relies on testimony from experts, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, or neurologists, to establish what should have been done differently.
In the county and surrounding courts, local procedures and venue rules can impact the speed of cases. For this reason, you could benefit from the help of a birth injury lawyer in Allentown who understands both the medical and procedural requirements of these complex claims.
Building a strong case starts with gathering the right evidence. This can include:
Attorneys often consult independent physicians who can explain how the injury occurred and what long-term care may be needed. Life care plans are sometimes prepared to outline future costs, such as therapies, medications, equipment, and support services.
Compensation may be available for a range of losses, including:
The state does not limit compensatory damages. However, punitive damages in malpractice cases are restricted by statute and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Depending on the situation, an Allentown medical malpractice attorney handling birth trauma cases may also advise you about preserving eligibility for public benefits and addressing potential medical liens.
Practical steps, such as keeping a timeline of prenatal and delivery events, saving insurance correspondence, and maintaining daily notes about care and progress, can help you protect your interests. Avoiding detailed statements to insurers until you have obtained legal guidance could also prevent later complications.
If a birth injury has affected your family, reliable advice and a clear understanding of the law could make the path forward less uncertain. Consulting an Allentown birth injury lawyer could provide clarity about your rights, deadlines, and possible avenues for compensation.
Contact Soloff & Zervanos to explore your options. During your consultation, we can answer your questions and help you determine whether legal action aligns with your goals, allowing you to focus on your child’s care and future.
