Premature Labor Lawsuits

The average full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. If a baby is delivered before 37 weeks, it is called a preterm or premature birth and the newborn is often referred to as a "preemie." If a baby is born before 26 weeks gestation, he or she will likely have serious permanent injuries. In some cases, a premature birth could have been delayed or prevented if a physician was monitoring the pregnancy correctly. If you believe your baby was injured after suffering a preventable premature birth, don't hesitate to talk with our experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at The Beasley Firm. Since 1958, our firm has dedicated itself to fighting for families throughout the nation. Our hard work and thorough case preparation has helped us establish a history of success. To date, we have obtained tens of millions for birth injury victims and over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients-more than any other firm in Pennsylvania.

Let us fight to ensure your child's needs are met. Call (215) 866-2424 to set up a consultation.

Causes of a Premature Birth

Any delivery that happens before 32 weeks can cause the newborn to have breathing problems because the baby's lungs do not mature until around the 32nd to 34th week of gestation. Because the infant's lungs haven't fully matured before the 32nd week, the baby can suffer from hypoxia or lack of oxygen to the brain that can lead to permanent brain damage or cerebral palsy. The longer a baby can stay in the mother's uterus and grow or mature, the lower the risk of brain injury and birth defects.

Some of the more common causes of a premature birth are:

• A previous preterm or premature delivery
• Uterine infection
• Chorioamnionitis
• Placental abruption
• Bicornate uterus
• Uterine scarring
• Abdominal trauma
• Incompetent cervix
• Thin cervix
• High blood pressure
• Multiple pregnancies or carrying multiples (twins, triplets or more)
• Cigarette smoking or nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges
• Diabetes
• Alcohol consumption
• Maternal age if under 18 or over 30
• Poor prenatal care or no prenatal care
• Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
• Low body mass index
• Untreated urinary tract infections
• Group B strep infections

If a mother is known to have an incompetent cervix or a cervix that causes premature dilation or opening of the cervix, the doctor may place something called a cerclage inside. A cerclage is a tiny suture or stitch placed in the cervix to help keep it closed until you reach a part in your pregnancy when it is safer to deliver your baby.

Preventing a Premature Birth

If you do go into premature labor, you may be placed on bedrest and given intravenous (IV) fluids to see if it stops the labor. You should also be treated for any infection you or the baby may have. In addition, you may be given terbutaline, Brethine, or other medications known as tocolytics to help stop your contractions and cervical dilation. If your doctor feels that a premature birth is imminent or you are going to have a precipitous delivery or birth, you may also be given steroid injections such as Betamethasone, to help mature your baby's lungs. Doctors, obstetricians or nurse midwives should do everything they can to prevent or treat a premature birth.

If not, your baby may be born with the following problems:

• Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
• Bleeding on the brain
• Intestinal problems
• Organ damage
• Sepsis
• High bilirubin
• Jaundice
• Kernicterus
• Blindness
• Hyaline membrane disease (HMD)
• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• Brain damage
• Developmental delays
• Neurologic injuries
• Cerebral palsy

Our knowledgeable birth injury team consists of attorneys, physicians, labor and delivery nurses, emergency room nurses, and neonatal intensive care (NICU) nurses who have actually cared for and treated women who underwent premature labor or had delivered a premature baby. They are a crucial asset in our investigation and provide experienced insight for our birth injury lawyers in Philadelphia to utilize.

Trust Your Case to a Legendary Law Firm in Pennsylvania

If you went into preterm labor or had a premature birth and your baby now has permanent injuries, brain damage, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays due a negligence medical professional, call on The Beasley Firm. Our compassionate Philadelphia birth injury attorneys have the resources and expertise to help. Our medical experience and knowledge has led to us obtaining two of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Pennsylvania history. When you choose our firm, you will benefit from daily updates, open communication, expertise, and dependability. Our success has established a respected and trusted reputation within the legal community.

Don't wait any longer to get legal counsel. Complete a free case evaluation or call (215) 866-2424!