When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the emotional weight can feel unbearable. Parents often begin asking hard questions about what happened during pregnancy or delivery. That moment of reflection can turn into a search for clarity and accountability, especially when something during the birth did not feel right.
At Latona Law, we speak with families across Pennsylvania who are in this exact situation. If you have questions about how your child’s condition developed and whether it could have been avoided, we offer a free legal consultation. Speaking with a trusted attorney can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about what comes next.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Connection to Birth Trauma
Cerebral palsy affects how a child moves, controls muscles, and processes certain physical functions. In some cases, it can also influence cognitive development. The causes of this condition vary. Some stem from natural complications during pregnancy, but others are related to events that happened during labor or delivery.
Oxygen deprivation before or during birth is a major contributor to many cerebral palsy cases. If medical staff failed to monitor fetal distress or did not act quickly when complications arose, a child’s brain can be permanently affected. Other risks involve improper use of delivery tools or infections that were not diagnosed or treated during pregnancy.
These are serious medical events. When they are caused by poor decisions or a lack of attention during labor, families may have grounds to pursue a legal claim.
Recognizing When Medical Negligence May Be Involved
Many families begin to suspect something went wrong only after their child begins missing developmental milestones. Sometimes it starts with a conversation during a pediatric checkup. Other times, it is the quiet feeling that the hospital never fully explained what happened during delivery.
Medical negligence in a birth injury case is based on whether the healthcare provider failed to follow accepted medical standards. In other words, the focus is on whether a responsible doctor or nurse would have done things differently under the same circumstances.
Families do not need to have all the answers before speaking with an attorney. In fact, many of the families we work with at Latona Law come to us with questions, not conclusions. Our role is to investigate those concerns and help determine whether a birth injury may have occurred due to negligence.
Legal Rights for Parents of Children With Cerebral Palsy in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law allows parents to seek compensation when medical mistakes during birth cause long-term harm. This compensation can help cover the significant costs that come with raising a child who requires ongoing therapy, medical care, and adaptive support throughout their life.
There are time limits on when you can file a claim, although exceptions may apply when the injured person is a child. These rules are complex, so speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later can protect your ability to take legal action. A strong case typically involves a thorough review of medical records and input from expert witnesses who can explain where mistakes may have occurred.
This process may feel overwhelming at first, but families are never expected to go through it alone. At Latona Law, we walk with you through every step.
How Latona Law Supports Pennsylvania Families
We have spent decades helping families across Pennsylvania who are navigating the realities of birth injuries. We understand the fear, confusion, and uncertainty that come with a cerebral palsy diagnosis. Our firm takes the time to understand your story and to investigate what really happened in that delivery room.
We do not charge for our initial consultation, and we never rush families into making decisions. Our approach is centered on trust, clarity, and long-term support. When we take on a case, it is because we believe in the family behind it and are ready to fight for the resources they need.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you are concerned that something during labor or delivery caused your child’s condition, the most important step is to speak with someone who understands both the medical and legal aspects of these cases. Gathering your child’s medical records and writing down your memory of the delivery can be helpful, but you do not need to have everything in place to start the conversation.
Latona Law is available to help you take that first step. Our consultations are free, confidential, and designed to give you the clarity you deserve.
Moving Forward With Confidence and Support
Parents carry an enormous emotional load when their child has a serious medical condition. That journey is hard enough without being left in the dark about what caused it. If you have questions, you have the right to seek answers.
Latona Law is here to listen. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe a mistake during birth may have played a role, contact us today for a free legal consultation. Our team will take the time to understand your situation and help you explore the best path forward—for you, and for your child’s future.