When a child is injured during birth, families often face a long and difficult road. In many cases, the injury could have been avoided. If you believe that something went wrong during delivery and your child was harmed because of it, you may want to speak with someone who understands what steps to take.

Each state handles these types of claims differently, and Pennsylvania has specific rules that shape how these cases work. Learning how the process works here is the first step toward finding out whether you may have a case. If you are looking for help, the attorneys at Latona Law are available to speak with you about what happened and what your options may be.

How These Claims Work in Pennsylvania

A birth injury case is a type of medical malpractice claim. It applies when a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to provide proper care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. This kind of mistake can lead to serious harm, including brain damage, nerve injuries, or problems caused by a lack of oxygen during birth.

In Pennsylvania, you need to show that the care your child received fell below medical standards. You also need to show that this failure caused the injury. These cases often require medical records, expert opinions, and a detailed review of what happened before and during birth.

What Makes Pennsylvania’s Laws Different

There are several things that make Pennsylvania stand out when it comes to birth injury cases. First, there is more time to file a claim if the injury happened to a child. While many legal cases in the state have a two year time limit, the rules change when the person affected is a minor. In most birth injury claims, families can file the case until the child turns twenty.

Another rule that is different is something called the certificate of merit. In Pennsylvania, you must include a written statement from a medical expert when filing the lawsuit. This document confirms that there is a valid reason to bring the case and that it is not based only on opinion or personal feelings.

The state also uses a rule that lets the court divide responsibility if more than one party was involved. If the medical provider is more responsible than anyone else, the family may still be able to recover damages.

There is no limit in Pennsylvania on how much a family can receive for actual costs such as medical treatment or care that the child will need in the future. There is a limit on what are called punitive damages, which are meant to punish extreme behavior.

What Families Can Do to Prepare

The best way to start building a case is to gather everything you can that shows what happened. This includes medical records, notes about the birth, and any communication you had with the medical team. If something felt wrong or if you had concerns that were not taken seriously, those details may be important.

A law firm like Latona Law can review this information and look at what went wrong. Their team works with medical professionals to understand the full picture. They know what to look for and how to move the case forward while keeping the family involved and informed throughout the process.

What a Claim Can Help With

These cases are not just about what happened in the delivery room. They are also about the future. A successful claim can help pay for medical care, physical therapy, in-home support, and equipment. It can also provide support for the emotional and financial strain that comes with long-term care.

Each child is different, and the support they need may change over time. A legal claim gives families the chance to seek help that is tailored to their child’s condition and future needs.

Call Latona Law to Learn What You Can Do Next

You may not know if you have a case until you speak with someone who has handled these types of situations before. Latona Law offers free consultations so you can share your story and ask questions without making any commitments.

If your child was injured at birth and you think something went wrong, do not wait. Reach out to Latona Law today for a free consultation to find out what steps you can take. Their team understands how hard this is and is ready to listen and help.