At the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm, we understand the profound pain that comes with losing a newborn to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as the emotional toll birth injuries such as low APGAR scores, preterm births, and low muscle tone can have on families.
As dedicated Philadelphia birth injury lawyers and Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers, we aim to offer support and legal options to parents who have suffered from these heartbreaking conditions.
Our mission is not only to hold negligent parties accountable but also to raise awareness about the harmful, partially preventable medical conditions that too often go undetected or misdiagnosed. Whether you're dealing with a Philadelphia SIDS birth injury, a Philadelphia SIDS medical malpractice case, or a Philadelphia preterm birth lawsuit, our goal is to guide you through the complexities of your legal journey while prioritizing your well-being.
In today’s article, we focus on SIDS—one of the most devastating, unfair, and misunderstood tragedies for parents of newborns. We encourage you to read on and learn about the shocking facts and widely believed myths surrounding SIDS. By understanding these common misconceptions, we hope to empower you and raise awareness about the risks associated with substandard medical care, misdiagnosis, and delayed diagnoses.
Philadelphia SIDS Statistics
According to the CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention)Â and Medical News Today, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains a significant concern in the United States. In 2022, there were approximately 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID), with 1,529 attributed to SIDS.
The risk of SIDS is highest among infants aged 1 to 4 months, with 72% of SIDS deaths occurring within this age range.
Additionally, more than 90% of SIDS deaths occur before the age of 6 months.
Understanding these statistics is crucial for parents and caregivers to implement preventive measures and seek appropriate medical guidance.
1. Myth: SIDS only happens in unhealthy or sick babies.
Fact:Â According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), SIDS can occur in seemingly healthy infants with no prior signs of illness. While some underlying health vulnerabilities might increase risk, SIDS is unpredictable and can affect any infant.
2. Myth: Vaccinations cause SIDS.
Fact: According to the Childrens’ Hospital of Philadelphia, there is no evidence linking vaccines to SIDS. Studies show that vaccinated infants are not at a higher risk of SIDS; in fact, they may be at a slightly lower risk due to general health improvements associated with immunization.
3. Myth: Using baby monitors or frequently checking on your baby can prevent SIDS.
Fact:Â While baby monitors and regular check-ins provide reassurance, they cannot prevent SIDS. SIDS happens suddenly and silently, often without warning. Following safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep in a safe environment, is the most effective preventive approach.
4. Myth: SIDS can only happen during the first few months of life.
Fact: While the risk of SIDS is highest between 1 and 4 months, it can occur up to 12 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides safe sleep recommendations for the entire first year.
5. Myth: Certain products marketed as safe for infants are always harmless.
Fact:Â Some products, such as inclined sleepers, soft bedding, or padded crib bumpers, have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. These products may cause suffocation or unsafe sleeping positions. Parents should use only products that comply with safe sleep recommendations, such as firm, flat mattresses without loose bedding or unnecessary accessories.
6. Myth: Pregnancy and maternal conditions don’t increase or decrease the risk of SIDS.
Fact: Maternal health and conditions during pregnancy can influence the risk of SIDS. Factors such as smoking during pregnancy, exposure to secondhand smoke, inadequate prenatal care, and substance use have been associated with a higher risk of SIDS. Additionally, maternal complications like anemia, infections, or chronic health conditions may contribute to vulnerabilities in the infant’s development. Ensuring optimal maternal health through regular prenatal care, avoiding harmful substances, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce these risks and promote the overall well-being of the baby.
7. Myth: Healthcare providers such as obstetricians don’t have any influence on the risk of SIDS.
Fact:Â Negligence or mistakes by healthcare providers during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can significantly increase the risk of conditions linked to SIDS. Errors such as failing to monitor maternal health issues like hypertension or infections, mismanaging labor complications, or causing oxygen deprivation during delivery may create underlying vulnerabilities in the newborn. These preventable mistakes can have long-term impacts, including a higher likelihood of SIDS. At the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm, our dedicated Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers and Philadelphia birth injury lawyers help families hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. If you believe a Philadelphia birth injury or Philadelphia SIDS medical malpractice lawsuit is warranted, our attorneys provide compassionate guidance through the legal process. With extensive experience in medical malpractice cases, we strive to secure justice and compensation for families affected by preventable healthcare errors. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
to SIDS.
8. Myth: Parents and legal guardians of the baby can't file any lawsuit against healthcare providers, doctors, or obstetricians after SIDS.
Fact: Parents and legal guardians absolutely have the right to pursue legal action if they believe that healthcare providers' negligence or errors contributed to conditions linked to SIDS. Instances such as failing to address maternal health issues, mismanaging labor and delivery, or causing preventable injuries during birth can create vulnerabilities in infants that may elevate the risk of SIDS. If your child's loss may have resulted from such negligence, you are entitled to seek justice and compensation through a Philadelphia SIDS medical malpractice lawsuit or a Philadelphia birth injury case.
Our experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers and Philadelphia SIDS birth injury lawyers at the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm are here to support you every step of the way. We work diligently to investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable. These lawsuits not only provide financial compensation for medical costs, emotional suffering, and other damages but also promote accountability in healthcare practices. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options and understand how we can help you seek justice after such a devastating loss.
9. Myth: You have to file a Philadelphia SIDS lawsuit immediately after your baby’s death to SIDS. Cause of SIDS is always evident right away.
Fact:Â It is a common myth that you must file a Philadelphia SIDS medical malpractice lawsuit immediately after experiencing a preventable loss, but that's not entirely true. While there is a statute of limitations in Pennsylvania that generally requires filing a Philadelphia SIDS birth injury lawsuit within two years of the SIDS-related death, there are exceptions. In certain cases, if the cause of the death was not immediately apparent, the statute may be extended. The experienced and trustworthy Philadelphia SIDS lawyers at the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm can help parents and legal guardians navigate these complexities. Philadelphia SIDS cases often demand investigation, because the causes are unknown or not immediately evident. If more than two years have passed since the tragic loss, our skilled attorneys can evaluate the circumstances and help you pursue legal action if the deadline is still open.
10. Myth: Filing a Philadelphia birth injury or medical malpractice lawsuits after losing your newborn to SIDS is very challenging and complex for parents.
Fact: The myth that pursuing legal action after losing your baby to SIDS is overwhelmingly challenging and demanding is simply untrue. At the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm, our Philadelphia SIDS lawyers and Philadelphia birth injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay anything upfront—our team only gets paid if we are able to secure compensation for your damages resulting from the Philadelphia SIDS-related tragedy. Our experienced attorneys handle all aspects of the case, including managing paperwork, adhering to crucial deadlines, gathering evidence, and establishing negligence or medical malpractice. We’ll investigate the failure to address the problems leading to the increased risk of SIDS. Beyond the legal work, our empathetic, trustworthy, and committed lawyers provide emotional support throughout the process, ensuring open communication, mutual trust, and confidentiality. We prioritize your comfort and well-being from start to finish, all the way until we can help compensate for your losses and damages.
Call the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm
If you are a parent or legal guardian who has tragically lost a newborn to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suspect that it may have resulted from doctor’s negligence, errors, or misdiagnosis of underlying conditions in the fetus or mother's health, you don’t have to face this alone.
The Philadelphia SIDS lawyers at the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm are here to help. We will carefully evaluate your case, explore the best legal options, and guide you through the entire lawsuit process, alleviating as much stress as possible during this difficult time. Our experienced and compassionate team understands the emotional toll this situation takes, and we are committed to supporting you with empathy and professionalism.
Additionally, our Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers also provide help for patients who have suffered from substandard healthcare, such as in cases of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, Philadelphia cancer misdiagnosis, Philadelphia birth injury, Philadelphia Cerebral Palsy, Philadelphia Brachial Plexus Palsy, and Philadelphia HIE birth injury, among others. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation with our trustworthy lawyers. Let us help you seek justice while you focus on healing.
Call us today at (267) 490-3988Â for your free initial consultation.
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