When a newborn is harmed during birth, the effects are often lifelong. For families going through this kind of experience, the legal process may feel like a maze. In Pennsylvania, birth injury claims are complex. They require more than medical records or emotional testimony. You need clear proof that something went wrong and that it could have been avoided.
This is where expert witnesses become a key part of the case. These professionals are brought in to explain what happened and whether the medical team followed the right steps. Their input often shapes the direction of a lawsuit. If you are worried your child’s injury may be linked to a medical mistake, you can talk to Latona Law. We offer free consultations to help you explore your legal options with no pressure.
Understanding Birth Injuries in Pennsylvania
Not every issue that happens during birth is considered a birth injury under state law. Birth injuries usually involve harm that takes place during labor or shortly after delivery, often because something went wrong in the care provided. Conditions like cerebral palsy, shoulder injuries, or brain damage from oxygen loss fall into this category.
These cases are different from birth defects, which are typically tied to genetics or development in the womb. A birth injury is often the result of a missed step, a delayed response, or poor decision-making by medical staff. In Pennsylvania, proving this requires strong evidence, and expert testimony is usually part of that.
Why Experts Matter in These Cases
To move forward with a birth injury claim, Pennsylvania law often requires input from a qualified medical expert. This step usually happens before the case is even filed. An expert must review the details and confirm that there is reason to believe the care fell below accepted standards.
The role of the expert is to translate complicated medical information into something that can be understood in court. They help answer questions like, What should the doctor have done in that moment? or Was there enough time to take a different approach?
Without expert support, many of these cases would never make it to court. Their perspective helps judges and juries understand what went wrong and why it matters.
Proving a Breach in Care
In medical cases, a big part of the argument involves the standard of care. This refers to the level of attention and skill a doctor is expected to show in a specific situation. If that standard is not met, and it leads to harm, there may be grounds for a legal claim.
Experts are the ones who explain what that standard looks like. They show how the choices made during labor or delivery compared to what a trained medical professional should have done. For example, if signs of fetal distress were ignored or if a cesarean was delayed too long, an expert can walk the court through how those decisions affected the outcome.
They also help link the injury to the actions taken—or not taken—by the medical team.
Experts Who Often Take the Stand
Depending on the injury and how it occurred, different experts may be needed. Some cases may require just one. Others might involve several. Here are a few common ones:
- Obstetricians who understand labor and delivery care
- Neonatal specialists who treat newborns after birth
- Pediatric neurologists who focus on brain and nerve damage
- Life care planners who explain future medical needs
- Economists who estimate long-term financial costs
Each expert brings a different view, and together they help create a full picture of the situation.

Why the Right Lawyer Makes a Difference
Taking on a birth injury case is not easy. It requires knowledge of both medicine and law. That is why choosing the right legal team matters. A skilled lawyer knows how to work with medical experts, build a strong case, and make sure the family’s voice is heard.
At Latona Law, the team has handled many cases like this in Pennsylvania. We know what to look for and which questions to ask. Our goal is to support families through a tough process and fight for the resources needed to care for a child after a serious injury.
We also offer free consultations, so families can get answers without taking on any risk.

Start the Conversation with Latona Law
Dealing with a birth injury is one of the hardest things a family can face. You might not know where to turn or who to trust. That is why speaking with someone who understands the law and has experience with these cases can make a big difference.
If you are concerned about the care you or your baby received, do not wait. Latona Law is ready to listen, review your case, and help you decide what steps to take next. The consultation is free, and the support can make all the difference for your child’s future.