When Joy Turns Into Uncertainty
Having a baby should be one of the happiest moments in life. I still remember the nervous energy in the air when my niece was born at St. Luke’s in Bethlehem. The tiny socks, the hospital bracelet, the nervous but hopeful glances between family members—it was all there. But what if that joyful moment turns into something else entirely? What if something goes wrong, and it could’ve been prevented?
That’s what we’re talking about today: birth injuries. It’s a subject no one wants to think about until they’re living it. But if you or someone you love is facing this, you’re not alone—and you do have rights. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’re here to help families in Lehigh Valley understand what those rights look like and how to protect them.
What Is a Birth Injury?
Birth injuries are physical harm or trauma suffered by a newborn (or sometimes the mother) during labor or delivery. They’re not the same as birth defects, which are often due to genetics. We’re talking about injuries like brachial plexus damage, cerebral palsy caused by lack of oxygen, or even broken bones due to improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
Sometimes, these injuries are unavoidable. But other times, they happen because a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member didn’t follow proper procedures. Maybe they didn’t monitor fetal distress closely enough, waited too long for a C-section, or failed to act quickly when something clearly wasn’t right.
How Do You Know If You Have a Claim?
That’s the tricky part. Medical professionals rarely come right out and say, “Oops, we messed up.” Often, families are left wondering whether their child’s condition was just fate or something more. If your gut tells you something felt off during delivery—trust that instinct.
A birth injury claim basically tries to determine whether negligence occurred. Did the hospital deviate from accepted standards of care? Could the injury have been prevented if different actions were taken? These are the kinds of questions that come up when building a case with a legal team like Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, where our goal is to uncover the truth, not point fingers for the sake of it.
The Role of Medical Malpractice in Birth Injury Cases
Birth injury claims typically fall under the larger umbrella of medical malpractice. That’s a loaded term, I know. But it just means that a healthcare provider didn’t do what a reasonably careful provider would have done in the same situation.
In Pennsylvania, there are time limits (called statutes of limitations) on when you can file a claim. However, for birth injury cases involving children, the clock doesn’t start ticking right away. Still, it’s best not to wait. Memories fade, records get harder to access, and building a strong case takes time and the right team.
What Compensation Can Look Like
If negligence is proven, a birth injury claim can cover more than just medical expenses. Think long-term care, therapy, lost future income, adaptive equipment like wheelchairs, and even emotional distress. These costs can add up, especially if a child needs lifelong support.
And listen—this isn’t about being litigious or “suing for money.” It’s about making sure your child has what they need to live the fullest life possible. It’s about accountability. And sometimes, it’s the only way to shine a light on systemic problems so other families don’t have to go through the same thing. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we treat these cases with the care and seriousness they deserve, because we know the stakes are deeply personal.
Why Local Legal Support Matters
Here in the Lehigh Valley, we’re tight-knit. Whether you’re in Allentown, Bethlehem, Fountain Hill, or even smaller spots like Freemansburg and Rittersville, there’s a strong sense of community. So when something like this happens, you want someone local—someone who knows the hospitals, the courts, and the laws unique to Pennsylvania.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we take this seriously. Not just because it’s our job, but because we’ve seen firsthand how devastating it is when a family feels like they’ve been left in the dark. We’ll walk you through the process, break down the legal jargon, and keep it real every step of the way. This isn’t about throwing around big legal words—it’s about clear communication, honest support, and the determination to do what’s right.
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
If you suspect that your child’s birth injury could have been prevented, don’t keep wondering. Reach out for guidance. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we offer compassionate, confidential consultations to help you understand your options—no pressure, no strings attached.
You can visit www.snoverlaw.com to learn more or schedule a time to talk. We proudly serve families across Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and surrounding Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania communities. We’re here to help you find answers—and more importantly, a path forward.
