Philadelphia Premature Delivery Lawyer

Premature deliveries have a variety of causes and can lead to a range of health problems for both mother and child. Unfortunately, premature deliveries and the resulting injuries can be caused by a health care provider’s negligent actions. For those suffering because of preventable errors, a Philadelphia premature delivery lawyer can offer support and guidance.

If you have sustained injury or loss due to a traumatic preterm birth, the experienced birth injury attorneys at The Weitz Firm, LLC, can help you understand your legal options and work to secure you fair compensation.

Premature Deliveries and Medical Malpractice

Approximately one out of every 10 babies born in Pennsylvania is considered to be premature. A birth is typically considered premature if it occurs before 37 weeks gestation. World Health Organization guidelines identify three categories of preterm delivery:

  1. Extremely preterm at less than 28 weeks gestational age
  2. Very preterm at 28 to 32 weeks gestational age
  3. Moderate to late preterm at 32 to 37 weeks gestational age

There are several reasons for a premature delivery. Causes can include infections, health conditions, stress, and placental problems.

Sometimes, a healthcare provider’s negligence may be the cause of a premature delivery. Examples of negligence include:

  • Failing to monitor for infections
  • Delaying necessary interventions during labor
  • Failing to recognize signs of fetal distress
  • Failing to recognize and treat the mother’s health conditions

A Philadelphia lawyer experienced with preterm birth cases can help establish the cause of your early delivery and determine if you could claim compensation.

Common Preterm Birth Injuries

The risks associated with preterm delivery are much higher than those associated with a full-term delivery. Premature deliveries are often complicated and can result in several kinds of injuries to both the infant and the mother.

Infant Injuries

Depending on the infant’s development, premature babies may experience injuries such as:

  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Intraventricular hemorrhage
  • Patent ductus arteriosus
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Preterm birth can also cause developmental delays and disabilities as the child grows older.

Mother Injuries

The mother may also be injured as a result of a premature delivery. For instance, underlying and unaddressed health concerns that led to preterm labor may worsen. Mothers may also experience delivery injuries such as:

  • Uterine tears
  • Placental abruption
  • Infection
  • Postpartum hemorrhaging

If your baby was born too early and either of you was injured as a result, you can discuss your case with our compassionate premature delivery attorneys in Philadelphia.

What To Do if Medical Negligence Is Suspected

The highest priority after a premature delivery is ensuring the health of both the infant and the mother. If preventable errors are suspected, steps should be taken to secure the patients’ legal rights to compensation.

When medical negligence is suspected to have caused an early delivery or injuries during or after birth, our attorneys encourage Philadelphia parents to take steps to secure their malpractice claim. Actions to take include:

  • Requesting and maintaining copies of all medical records
  • Retaining copies of all communications with health care providers and taking notes of any verbal interactions
  • Seeking a second opinion from a medical expert
  • Keeping records of all costs associated with the injury
  • Contacting a lawyer

Prompt action is crucial. The statute of limitations for a preterm birth malpractice lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury or the date the injury was discovered.

Contact Our Philadelphia Attorneys for Help With Your Preterm Birth Injury Case

Birth injuries can be an unfortunate result of preventable errors. When medical negligence results in premature delivery or causes injuries during and after birth, you deserve to be compensated. A Philadelphia premature delivery lawyer can help you file your claim and seek justice for your and your child’s injuries.

At The Weitz Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys are skilled at handling medical malpractice cases with confidence and empathy. We recognize that our clients are struggling emotionally, physically, and financially due to their or their child’s injury, and we want to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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