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Standing Up for Families When It Matters Most

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. When medical negligence takes that away, we're here to help families fight for justice and secure the resources their children need.

About NYBirthInjury.com

NYBirthInjury.com was created by Porter Law Group to address a critical gap: families facing birth injuries often struggle to find clear, trustworthy information about their medical and legal options during the most overwhelming time of their lives.

After representing countless families affected by preventable birth injuries, we recognized that parents needed more than just legal representation—they needed comprehensive resources, medical information, and guidance they could trust. Too many families were navigating complex medical diagnoses and legal decisions without access to accurate, compassionate information.

This site bridges that gap by providing medically-reviewed information about birth injuries, treatment options, hospital safety ratings, and legal rights—all in one place. Our goal is to empower families with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their child's care and their legal options.

About Porter Law Group

Porter Law Group is a New York-based personal injury law firm with deep expertise in medical malpractice and birth injury cases. With decades of combined experience and over $500 million recovered for clients, we've built our practice on a foundation of thorough investigation, medical knowledge, and compassionate client service.

What sets us apart is our approach: we treat every case as if it's going to trial, which means preparing exhaustively, consulting top medical experts, and building the strongest possible evidence—even when most cases ultimately settle. This trial-ready preparation leads to better outcomes for our clients.

We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning families never pay upfront costs or legal fees unless we win their case. This ensures that every family has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Meet Our Team

Michael S. Porter, Founder & Managing Partner

Michael S. Porter

Founder & Managing Partner

Michael S. Porter founded Porter Law Group with a clear mission: to provide families facing catastrophic injuries with the aggressive, sophisticated representation typically reserved for corporate clients. His approach combines meticulous preparation with genuine compassion for the families he serves.

Education & Background

  • Harvard University - B.A., 1994
  • Syracuse University College of Law - J.D., 1997
  • U.S. Army JAG Corps - Four years active duty service

Expertise

Michael specializes in complex personal injury litigation, medical malpractice, and product liability cases. His trial experience and strategic approach have resulted in over $9 million in verdicts from 2011-2014 alone, with many more successful settlements secured for clients over his career.

Approach to Birth Injury Cases

Michael brings a unique combination of legal skill and personal commitment to birth injury cases. He understands that behind every case is a family whose entire future has changed, and he works tirelessly to secure the compensation needed to provide children with the best possible quality of life.

Eric C. Nordby, Co-Founder & Partner

Eric C. Nordby

Co-Founder & Partner

With nearly three decades of litigation experience, Eric C. Nordby has established himself as one of New York's most respected trial attorneys in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. His extensive courtroom experience and deep understanding of medical malpractice law make him an invaluable advocate for families affected by birth injuries.

Education & Leadership

  • Cornell University - B.A., 1987
  • University at Buffalo School of Law - J.D., 1992 (honors)
  • President - Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association

Litigation Excellence

Eric's litigation practice focuses on cases involving catastrophic injury and death caused by medical negligence. His mastery of both the legal and medical aspects of birth injury cases allows him to effectively challenge complex medical testimony and hold healthcare providers accountable.

Client Advocacy

Known for his thorough case preparation and powerful courtroom presence, Eric has successfully represented numerous families in birth injury cases throughout New York. He believes in transparent communication with clients and ensuring families understand every step of the legal process.

Medical Review & Accuracy

All medical information on NYBirthInjury.com is reviewed by qualified medical professionals with expertise in obstetrics, neonatology, and pediatric neurology. We work with a network of experienced healthcare providers to ensure that the information presented is accurate, current, and consistent with established medical standards.

Our medical review process involves multiple stages of fact-checking, source verification, and expert consultation. We prioritize medical accuracy because we understand that families rely on this information to make critical decisions about their children's care and treatment options.

While our legal team provides information about rights and options, our medical reviewers ensure that all health-related content reflects current best practices and evidence-based medicine. This combination of legal expertise and medical knowledge helps families navigate both the medical and legal aspects of birth injury cases.

Why We Do This Work

Behind every birth injury case is a family whose world changed in an instant. A mother who carried her child for nine months, dreaming of that first cry, that first smile, those first steps. A father who imagined teaching his child to ride a bike, to read, to navigate the world. And then, in a moment—or over the course of a difficult delivery—everything changed.

We've sat across from parents in our conference rooms, watching them try to hold it together as they describe what should have been the happiest day of their lives. We've seen mothers break down as they explain how they knew something was wrong, how they told the nurses, how they begged for help that came too late. We've watched fathers struggle to find words to describe the guilt they feel, the helplessness, the rage at a system that failed their family when they were at their most vulnerable.

These moments stay with you. They change you. They remind you why this work matters.

The Moment That Changes Everything

In the delivery room, seconds matter. Minutes can be the difference between a healthy baby and a lifetime of challenges. When a medical team fails to recognize fetal distress, when they delay a necessary C-section, when they use forceps incorrectly or fail to manage complications—the consequences can be devastating.

For some families, the signs are immediate. A baby who doesn't cry. A newborn who struggles to breathe. An infant rushed to the NICU while parents stand frozen in the delivery room, their arms empty, their hearts breaking. For others, the realization comes more slowly—missed milestones, developmental delays, a diagnosis that shatters the future they'd imagined.

But in either case, the question is always the same: Could this have been prevented?

When Trust Is Broken

Expecting parents put their complete trust in their medical team. They trust that their doctors will monitor their baby carefully throughout the pregnancy. They trust that warning signs will be caught and addressed. They trust that during delivery, their medical team will have the skills, experience, and attentiveness to respond appropriately to any complications.

Most of the time, that trust is well-placed. The majority of healthcare providers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure safe deliveries and healthy outcomes. But when negligence occurs—when medical providers fail to meet the standard of care—the results can alter a child's entire life trajectory.

The hardest part for many families is realizing that their child's injury was preventable. That if the doctor had ordered a C-section sooner, if the nurse had taken their concerns seriously, if the delivery team had responded faster to fetal distress, their child might be healthy today. That knowledge—that their child's struggles didn't have to happen—is a burden no parent should carry alone.

The Reality of Life After Birth Injury

A birth injury doesn't just affect the child—it reshapes the entire family's future. Parents become full-time caregivers, navigating a complex medical system while trying to process their own grief and trauma. Careers are put on hold or abandoned entirely. Financial stress mounts as medical bills accumulate and specialized care adds up. Siblings adjust to a family dynamic centered around their brother or sister's needs.

There are the practical challenges: multiple therapy appointments every week, specialized equipment, home modifications, educational advocacy. But there are also the emotional struggles that aren't often discussed—the isolation many parents feel when their friends' children reach milestones their child may never achieve, the constant worry about their child's future, the exhaustion of fighting for every service and accommodation.

And underlying all of it is a question that haunts many families: What could we have done differently? Should we have asked more questions? Demanded better care? Chosen a different hospital? Parents torture themselves with these what-ifs, even though the responsibility never belonged to them in the first place.

Why Legal Action Matters

Many families hesitate to pursue legal action. They worry about being perceived as litigious or money-focused. They feel guilty about "blaming" the medical team. Some have been told that birth injuries "just happen" or that filing a lawsuit won't change what occurred.

But here's what we tell every family who walks through our doors: Seeking justice isn't about blame or anger—it's about securing your child's future.

A birth injury settlement isn't just compensation for what happened. It's a lifetime of medical care. It's therapies that insurance won't cover. It's assistive technology that helps your child communicate or move independently. It's special education support. It's home modifications that allow your child to live with dignity and as much independence as possible. It's peace of mind knowing that the financial resources will be there when you're no longer able to advocate for your child.

Legal action also serves a broader purpose: it holds medical providers accountable and encourages systemic change. When hospitals and healthcare providers face consequences for negligence, they're motivated to improve protocols, enhance training, and prevent similar mistakes from happening to other families. Your case might save another child from experiencing what yours has endured.

"Seeking justice isn't about blame or anger—it's about securing your child's future."

What We Believe

01

Every Child Deserves Competent Care

We believe that every child deserves competent medical care during their birth—the most vulnerable moment of their life. When providers fail to meet that standard, they must be held accountable.

02

Families Deserve Answers

We believe that families affected by preventable birth injuries deserve justice, answers, and the resources to give their child the best possible quality of life.

03

Compassion Matters

We believe in treating our clients with the compassion and respect they deserve. Legal proceedings shouldn't add to your stress—we're here to lighten your load.

04

Medical Knowledge + Legal Expertise

Birth injury cases require deep understanding of obstetrics, neonatology, and standards of care. We combine medical knowledge with legal expertise to build the strongest cases.

05

New York Expertise

We understand New York's specific laws—the 10-year statute of limitations, Certificate of Merit requirements, 90-day notice for public hospitals, and no caps on damages.

06

More Than Attorneys—Advocates

When you work with us, you're gaining advocates who genuinely care. We celebrate milestones, connect you with resources, and fight relentlessly for your family.

The Families We Serve

Every family we represent teaches us something new about resilience, love, and hope. We've worked with single mothers who juggle multiple jobs while coordinating their child's care. We've represented families who've advocated tirelessly for their child's inclusion in mainstream education. We've stood beside parents who've learned medical procedures to care for their children at home. We've watched grandparents step in to help when the demands became overwhelming.

What unites all these families is unwavering love for their children and a determination to give them the best possible life, regardless of the challenges. Our job is to provide the legal support that turns that determination into resources—resources that can make a real difference in quality of life.

"What happened to your family matters. Your child's life has value and meaning, regardless of their challenges."

Looking Toward the Future

Medical science continues to advance. Treatment options for birth injuries keep improving. Therapies become more effective. Technology provides new ways for children with disabilities to communicate, learn, and engage with the world. But all of these advances require resources that many families can't afford without legal compensation.

When we secure a settlement or verdict for a family, we're not just addressing past harm—we're opening doors to future possibilities. We're funding therapies that might help a child walk independently. We're providing for equipment that could give them a voice. We're ensuring they'll have the support they need to reach their full potential, whatever that might be.

A Promise to Every Family

If you're reading this because your child has experienced a birth injury, please know this: What happened to your family matters. Your child's life has value and meaning, regardless of their challenges. You deserve answers, accountability, and the resources to provide your child with every opportunity to thrive.

We promise to listen to your story with compassion. We promise to investigate your case thoroughly and honestly—and to tell you directly whether we believe medical negligence occurred. We promise to fight relentlessly if we take your case. And we promise to treat your family with the respect and care you deserve during this difficult time.

You are not alone. We are here to help.

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for legal help can feel overwhelming. You might worry about costs (we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win). You might feel conflicted about pursuing legal action against medical providers. You might simply feel exhausted by the thought of adding another challenge to your already full plate.

We understand all of these concerns because we've heard them from countless families. And what we tell everyone is this: A consultation costs you nothing and commits you to nothing. It's simply an opportunity for us to learn about what happened to your child, to review the medical facts, and to give you honest feedback about whether you have a case.

Even if you decide not to move forward, you'll have information. You'll have answers. You'll know whether medical negligence played a role in your child's injury. And sometimes, simply knowing makes a difference.

If you do decide to proceed, we'll be with you every step of the way—from the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, and beyond. We'll handle the legal complexity so you can focus on what matters most: your child.

24/7
Available Support
100%
Free Consultation
No Fee
Unless We Win

Our Commitment to You

Every family deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. We advance all case costs, so you never have to worry about affording expert witnesses, medical record reviews, or court fees.

We commit to:

  • Transparency—you'll always know what's happening with your case
  • Clear communication and patient explanation of complex legal and medical concepts
  • Fighting for the full compensation your child deserves—no lowball settlements
  • Preparing every case as if it's going to trial, because that's what gets results
  • Treating your family with compassion and respect throughout this journey
  • Being part of every major decision—this is your case, your child's future

Your child's birth injury may have changed your family's path, but it doesn't define your child's potential. With the right resources, support, and opportunities, children with birth injuries can lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. Our job is to secure those resources—to transform a legal victory into real-world support that helps your child thrive.

Why Birth Injury Education Matters

Many families don't realize that what happened to their child may have been preventable. Medical errors during pregnancy, labor, and delivery can result in conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, brain damage, and other lifelong challenges. These aren't just unfortunate accidents—they're often the result of:

Delayed Response to Fetal Distress

When medical staff fail to recognize or act quickly on signs that a baby is in distress during labor.

Improper Use of Delivery Tools

Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause severe injuries including skull fractures and nerve damage.

Medication Errors

Incorrect dosing of labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin can cause dangerous contractions and oxygen deprivation.

Failure to Perform C-Section

Delaying necessary emergency cesarean delivery when complications arise can have catastrophic consequences.

Inadequate Prenatal Care

Missing warning signs during pregnancy that indicate high-risk factors requiring specialized care.

Hospital Understaffing

When hospitals don't have adequate staff to monitor multiple patients, critical signs can be missed.

Understanding these causes doesn't change what happened, but it can help families find closure, secure compensation for their child's future care, and potentially prevent the same thing from happening to another family.

If Your Family Is Going Through This Right Now

We know you're exhausted. We know you're scared. We know you're doing everything you can to understand what happened and what comes next.

You might be feeling:

Overwhelmed by medical terminology and treatment options
Worried about how you'll afford the care your child needs
Angry that this might have been prevented
Guilty, wondering if there was something you should have done differently
Uncertain about whether to pursue legal action
Alone, like no one understands what you're going through

All of these feelings are valid. All of them are normal. And all of them are why we're here—to help lighten your load, answer your questions, and remind you that you're not alone in this.

"You are not alone. We are here to help lighten your load, answer your questions, and support you through this journey."

Get Your Free Guide

Comprehensive information about birth injuries, treatment options, legal rights, and financial assistance programs.

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Speak to Our Team

Talk to someone who understands what you're going through. Available 24/7 for questions, guidance, or just to listen.

Call 833-767-8379

Free Case Review

If you believe medical negligence played a role, we can connect you with experienced legal professionals at no cost.

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