Philadelphia is home to some of the finest hospitals in the country, but even in trusted medical environments, negligence during childbirth can lead to devastating consequences. Families dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury often face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. In such cases, working with experienced birth injury lawyers in Philadelphia can make a significant difference in securing justice and the compensation your family deserves.
At Wapner Newman, the legal team focuses on helping families recover the full range of damages available under Pennsylvania law for birth injury claims. Below is a closer look at what these damages include and how the firm supports families every step of the way.
Economic Damages: The Financial Costs of a Birth Injury
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Economic damages refer to the measurable financial losses a family experiences due to a birth injury. These damages are typically well-documented and supported by medical records, bills, and expert evaluations.
One of the primary categories is past and future medical expenses. These costs can range from immediate hospitalization and surgery to long-term care like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in-home nursing support. In severe cases, children may require lifelong medical attention, assistive devices, or specialized education programs.
In addition, families may be eligible for lost income and earning potential. If one or both parents must stop working or reduce their hours to care for the child, the resulting lost wages are recoverable. The child’s potential loss of future earnings due to a permanent disability may also be included.
Wapner Newman works with medical and financial experts to calculate these costs accurately, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for.
Non-Economic Damages: The Emotional and Physical Impact
Not all damages are financial. In birth injury cases, the emotional toll can be just as heavy—if not more. Pain and suffering is a broad category that includes the child’s physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of enjoyment of life is another consideration. A child living with a serious birth injury may never experience life in the way they otherwise could have, and that loss carries emotional weight. Parents may also experience emotional distress, particularly when facing the realization that the injury could have been avoided.
Wapner Newman attorneys take these non-economic factors seriously. They gather testimonies, work with psychologists, and build compelling narratives to present these damages clearly and persuasively in court.
Punitive Damages: When Negligence Is Egregious
While less common, punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
For example, if a healthcare provider ignored critical warning signs or deviated significantly from accepted medical standards, punitive damages might be appropriate. The attorneys at Wapner Newman are skilled at identifying when such claims can be pursued and preparing strong arguments to support them.
Customized Legal Strategy for Every Case
No two birth injury cases are the same. Whether the harm was due to oxygen deprivation, a delayed cesarean section, or the improper use of forceps, Wapner Newman develops tailored legal strategies that reflect the unique circumstances of each client’s situation.
The firm offers thorough case evaluations to determine liability, assess the extent of the damages, and establish a path toward maximum recovery. Clients are supported not only by lawyers but by a network of medical consultants, investigators, and financial experts.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating a birth injury case alone can be daunting. Hospitals and insurers often have powerful legal teams working to minimize their liability. With Wapner Newman on your side, you can level the playing field.
The firm has a track record of successful verdicts and settlements in birth injury cases and understands the intricate legal and medical issues involved. Their compassionate approach ensures families feel heard while their aggressive representation ensures their claims are taken seriously.
Final Thoughts
A birth injury can change a family’s life forever, but it doesn’t have to define their future. With the help of experienced professionals like those at Wapner Newman, families can pursue the full range of damages they are entitled to and secure the resources necessary to care for their child. If you believe your child’s injury was caused by negligence, seeking legal advice as soon as possible can make all the difference.
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