Each July, hospitals and delivery rooms across Pennsylvania experience a sharp increase in births. According to the CDC, July has consistently ranked as the top birth month in the U.S. With this seasonal surge, medical facilities often face increased patient loads, staffing challenges, and operational pressure—all of which can heighten the risk of medical mistakes during labor and delivery. For expectant parents in Pittsburgh and beyond, understanding these risks is crucial. When medical negligence occurs, it can lead to serious birth injuries that affect a child's life and well-being. If your child is harmed during a summer birth, consulting a qualified birth injury attorney in PA may be necessary to pursue justice.

Why Summer Deliveries Bring Unique Risks

The uptick in birth volume during the summer months can create a ripple effect across maternity wards. Healthcare professionals may be overextended, less experienced staff may be scheduled, and resources may become strained. While hospitals strive to maintain high standards year-round, July and August often present conditions that can compromise patient care.

Here are some of the most common factors contributing to birth-related medical errors during summer:

Reduced staffing due to vacations: Many senior medical staff take time off in the summer, leaving less experienced doctors or residents to handle complex deliveries.

Increased birth volume: A higher number of deliveries in a condensed timeframe can lead to rushed evaluations and delayed responses.

Fatigue and burnout: Staff working longer shifts to cover for colleagues may be more prone to oversight and critical errors.

Reliance on temporary or rotating staff: Locum tenens physicians or nurses may be unfamiliar with hospital-specific protocols or technology.

These seasonal challenges can result in missed signs of fetal distress, delayed cesarean sections, improper use of delivery tools, and more. If negligence leads to a preventable injury, it could be grounds for a medical malpractice birth injury claim.

Common Birth Injuries Linked to Medical Negligence

Medical negligence during childbirth can manifest in various ways, some of which cause lifelong complications. The consequences for a child and their family can be profound, both emotionally and financially. Here are several types of injuries commonly associated with negligent summer deliveries:

Cerebral Palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation during labor. Prompt medical action is critical to avoid this lifelong motor disorder.

Erb’s Palsy: A brachial plexus injury typically caused by excessive pulling during delivery, leading to weakness or paralysis in the arm.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. Can result in cognitive impairment or developmental delays.

Fractures: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors may lead to skull or clavicle fractures in newborns.

Shoulder Dystocia: A delivery complication that, if not handled properly, can injure both the infant and the mother.

Each of these injuries is avoidable with timely diagnosis, skilled intervention, and appropriate use of monitoring technology. Unfortunately, during high-pressure summer months, the margin for error widens.

How to Recognize Signs of Negligence Before and After Delivery

Understanding what to look for can empower families to advocate for safer births. While complications can arise naturally, red flags in care should never be ignored. Key warning signs include:

• Lack of fetal heart rate monitoring during labor
• Delay in ordering a cesarean section despite clear indications
• Use of excessive force during assisted delivery
• Failure to recognize signs of maternal infection
• Newborn not breathing or crying at birth
• Seizures or low Apgar scores in the first few minutes after birth

If any of these occurred during your child’s delivery, they may point to negligence. Trust your instincts. If you suspect that your baby’s injury could have been prevented, speak with an attorney experienced in birth injury cases in Pennsylvania.

Wondering What to Expect? Get Clear Answers to Key Questions

How can I tell if my child’s birth injury was preventable?
If a doctor failed to take appropriate action or deviated from standard care practices, and your child suffered harm as a result, it may be a preventable injury. A legal and medical review is necessary to determine this.

What’s the timeline for filing a birth injury claim in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years to file a medical malpractice claim, but there are exceptions for minors. It's best to consult a birth injury attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

Does a birth injury attorney cost anything upfront?
Many attorneys, including Frischman & Rizza, offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning no fees unless your case is successful.

What kind of compensation could we be eligible for?
Damages may include medical costs (past and future), rehabilitation, special education, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, and more.

What Every Parent Should Remember Before a Summer Delivery

Use this quick reference to stay informed and proactive:

• Confirm your OB/GYN's availability during summer delivery dates
• Ask hospitals about staffing levels during July/August
• Know the signs of distress during labor and postpartum
• Keep a birth plan with emergency protocols
• Maintain detailed medical records in case legal review is needed

Preparation can help reduce your risks—but when things go wrong, you need a legal advocate who understands both the medical and legal complexities involved.

A summer birth should be a time of celebration, not regret. If your family has been affected by a delivery that went wrong, Frischman & Rizza is here to help. With decades of experience representing families in birth injury and medical malpractice cases in Pittsburgh, our team is ready to review your case with compassion and expertise. Call us today at (412) 247-7300 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.