Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer

Fact-Checked and Medically Reviewed by:
Katie Lavender, RN Registered Nurse
Quick Answer

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a serious brain injury that affects infants, particularly in premature births. The condition involves damage to the brain’s white matter around the ventricles (cavities) due to inadequate blood flow. While PVL can occur naturally, it may result from medical errors. Working with a periventricular leukomalacia lawyer can be a pathway to financial support for your child’s ongoing care and treatment.

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What Is a Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer?

A judge's gavel rests on a series of brain scan images.A periventricular leukomalacia lawyer is a specialized personal injury attorney focused on supporting families of children affected by PVL that should have been prevented.

Periventricular leukomalacia is a type of brain damage that often requires lifelong medical care, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy. These treatments are expensive and not always covered by insurance, often creating a financial burden most families could not have planned for.

Periventricular leukomalacia attorneys file birth injury lawsuits for families seeking justice and compensation to help pay for their children’s medical expenses and other damages, like loss of income, when a child needs full-time support.

The birth injury lawyers in our network can help families in all 50 states. Together, they have recovered over $905 million in birth injury cases, including those involving PVL.

Find out if a top periventricular leukomalacia lawyer may be able to help you get the justice and financial compensation your family deserves.

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A free case review is the first step in pursuing compensation for you and your family.

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Periventricular Leukomalacia and Medical Malpractice

Periventricular leukomalacia occurs when the white matter of the baby’s brain in the area around the ventricles is damaged or dies. It is typically the result of oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) or the child’s brain not getting enough blood flow during birth.

PVL is most common in premature babies or underweight babies, especially premature infants born prior to 32 weeks gestation and under 3.3 lbs birth weight.

In some cases, PVL is preventable. Birth injury medical malpractice may be involved if health care providers fail to adequately monitor or manage at-risk infants.

Examples of medical negligence that can cause PVL include:
  • Delaying diagnostic procedures, like cranial ultrasounds, when issues are suspected can lead to missed signs of PVL, possibly causing further harm.
  • Failure to adequately monitor premature infants, who are at heightened risk for PVL, potentially missing red flags calling for immediate intervention.
  • Improper management of newborn symptoms consistent with PVL can delay the start of interventions and therapies, worsening the condition’s impact.
  • Inadequate response to fetal distress during labor and delivery is crucial to prevent conditions like PVL that stem from oxygen deprivation.
  • Neglecting to address maternal health issues during pregnancy could lead to complications, including reduced blood flow to the infant.

Early diagnosis and appropriate care are essential to manage PVL effectively. When medical professionals do not meet the standard of care, the consequences can be catastrophic.

If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your child’s PVL, consulting with an experienced periventricular leukomalacia lawyer can mean securing the financial support your family needs.

Call (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat right now to see if we can connect you to an experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorney.

How Can a Periventricular Leukomalacia Attorney Help?

A skilled periventricular leukomalacia lawyer can simplify your family’s role in the legal process, handling everything on your behalf.

Your legal team will create a strategy for you and your family that typically involves the following steps.

  1. Provide a free consultation: They offer a free case review to determine whether you may have a valid PVL claim.
  2. Investigate the cause: Your periventricular leukomalacia lawyer thoroughly investigates your child’s birth to determine if PVL may have been caused by medical negligence.
  3. Collect evidence: Periventricular leukomalacia lawyers gather medical records and bills, expert opinions, and other relevant evidence to build a solid case.
  4. File the lawsuit: Birth injury attorneys handle each step of the lawsuit process, ensuring all required documents are filed properly and on time.
  5. Negotiate on your behalf: Next, your legal team will work to secure the maximum birth injury settlement amount without you having to go to court.
  6. Represent you in court: If a settlement isn’t negotiated, your PVL lawyer will take your case to trial to continue fighting for your family.

Hiring an experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorney lets you focus on caring for your child while your legal team fights hard to get financial compensation and justice for your family.

Periventricular Leukomalacia Settlements and Verdicts

Birth injury settlements and verdicts are meant to provide the financial support needed to care for children who were harmed during childbirth.

Many birth injury settlements have resulted in millions of dollars for families.

Reported birth injury awards involving PVL include:
  • $19 million in Florida for failure to diagnose a maternal infection
  • $15 million in New York for delayed resuscitation, causing brain injury
  • $2.5 million in California for PVL, brain bleed, and cerebral palsy (CP)
  • $2 million in Pennsylvania for umbilical cord issues causing PVL and CP
  • $1.2 million in New Jersey for early labor induced by an incorrect due date

Many families have found that working with experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorneys helped increase their birth injury lawsuit compensation.

Get a free case review right now to see if you qualify to work with a top periventricular leukomalacia lawyer near you.

Get a Free Case Review

A free case review is the first step in pursuing compensation for you and your family.

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When Should I Hire a Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a periventricular leukomalacia attorney as soon as you suspect your child’s PVL might have been caused or worsened by medical negligence.

It’s essential to act quickly because lawsuits are subject to strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Once this window passes, you’re forever barred from taking legal action for your child’s injury.

State laws determine the statute of limitations, and they vary. As a result, it’s crucial to consult medical malpractice lawyers who understand the deadline that applies to your case. An experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorney can tell you how much time you have to file a PVL lawsuit.

Don’t wait to find out if you can work with a periventricular leukomalacia lawyer.

Call our team at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review right now.

How to Find Top Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyers

Choosing the right periventricular leukomalacia attorney is crucial for improving your chances of a successful outcome. Although PVL cases are complex and challenging to prove, experienced periventricular leukomalacia lawyers can help.

Below are some qualities to look for in a periventricular leukomalacia attorney.

No Upfront Costs

Find a periventricular leukomalacia lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs. You will only pay your PVL law firm if your case results in compensation.

Registered Nurses on Staff

Top birth injury law firms have labor and delivery nurses on staff. They can help families figure out what may have gone wrong during childbirth. The periventricular leukomalacia lawyers in our network have registered nurses on staff with decades of combined expertise.

Our labor and delivery nurses are available to listen to your story and answer any questions you may have.

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Experience With Periventricular Leukomalacia Cases

Look for periventricular leukomalacia lawyers with a history of handling cases like yours. The best periventricular leukomalacia attorneys are skilled at gathering the evidence needed to build a solid case linking your child’s PVL with medical negligence.

History of Winning Birth Injury Settlements

Top periventricular leukomalacia attorneys have a proven track record of handling birth injury cases. This means they can skillfully evaluate the impact of your child’s PVL. Then, they can calculate the amount of money needed for care. They’ll fight hard to get the financial compensation and justice your family deserves.

Works at a Reputable Birth Injury Law Firm

In general, attorneys who work at respected birth injury law firms have access to ample resources, legal expertise, and top medical experts. Hiring a periventricular leukomalacia lawyer who works at a well-known firm can increase your chances of securing maximum compensation.

Find a Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer Near You

PVL cases are complex and require an attorney who is experienced in the law and dedicated to advocating for your family’s specific needs.

The best periventricular leukomalacia lawyers have the knowledge and skills needed to guide you through the legal process. As a result, they can make it as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

They will fight for the most compensation possible and work hard to ensure your rights are protected.

At the Birth Injury Justice Center, we partner with some of the nation’s best periventricular leukomalacia lawyers. Together, they have helped families like yours recover over $905 million for preventable birth injuries, including PVL.

Contact us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to find out if we may be able to help you provide a better future for your child.

Periventricular Leukomalacia Lawyer FAQs

What is periventricular leukomalacia medical malpractice?

Periventricular leukomalacia medical malpractice occurs when health care providers fail to properly diagnose or treat PVL or when their negligence during delivery leads to the condition. This can result in legal action if the lack of appropriate care causes harm to the infant.

What are the long-term repercussions of PVL?

The long-term repercussions of PVL can include motor disorders like cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and visual and auditory problems. These effects stem from damage to the brain’s white matter and can impact a child’s development and quality of life.

Can you sue a hospital for periventricular leukomalacia?

Yes, you may be able to sue a hospital for periventricular leukomalacia. Your legal team will need to prove that medical negligence led to PVL or worsened its outcome.

The Birth Injury Justice Center partners with periventricular leukomalacia lawyers who have helped families across the nation secure millions of dollars in lawsuit compensation. Find out if we can connect you right now with a free case review.

How do I start a PVL lawsuit?

Working with an experienced periventricular leukomalacia attorney is often the best way to file a PVL lawsuit.

A skilled periventricular leukomalacia lawyer can:

  1. Gather the evidence needed to build a solid case
  2. File a birth injury lawsuit according to your state’s deadlines
  3. Negotiate for the largest settlement possible
  4. Fight for your family in court if a settlement isn’t reached

A lawyer can handle the entire legal process and advocate for your rights while you focus on caring for your child.

How much will a periventricular leukomalacia lawyer cost?

The best periventricular leukomalacia attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. They only get paid if they win financial compensation for you.

Top periventricular leukomalacia lawyers also provide free legal consultations to determine if you may have a valid birth injury claim.

How much is a PVL settlement worth?

The average birth injury settlement is around $1 million. However, many families have received millions of dollars in periventricular leukomalacia cases.

The birth injury lawyers in our network have helped families recover over $905 million, including cases involving periventricular leukomalacia.

That said, it’s important to understand that the value of a PVL case depends on various factors, like the severity of the condition, whether it could have been prevented, and expected lifetime medical expenses.

An experienced periventricular leukomalacia lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case and estimate what you may be able to expect to receive. If you’re eligible, we can connect you right now

Call our team at (800) 914-1562 to find out if you qualify.

What are the symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia?

The symptoms of PVL include developmental delays, spastic diplegia causing tight muscles, especially in the legs, and vision problems.

Causes of PVL, like hypoxia (lack of oxygen), impact the white matter of the brain and nerve cells, leading to these symptoms and potential disabilities like epilepsy.

Early detection using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help manage the severity of these impairments.

Birth Injury Support Team
Reviewed by:Katie Lavender, RN

Registered Nurse

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Katie Lavender has over 8 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in postpartum mother/baby care. With hands-on experience in Labor and Delivery and a role as a Community Educator for newborn care, Katie is a staunch advocate for patient rights and education. As a Medical Reviewer, she is committed to ensuring accurate and trustworthy patient information.

The Birth Injury Justice Center was founded in 2003 by a team of legal professionals to educate and empower victims and families affected by birth injuries. Our team is devoted to providing you with the best resources and legal information for all types of birth injuries.

View Sources
  1. Boston Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Periventricular leukomalacia. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/periventricular-leukomalacia
  2. Cedars Sinai. (n.d.). Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in children. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/p/periventricular-leukomalacia-pvl-in-children.html
  3. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, February 17). Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22397-periventricular-leukomalacia-pvl