The first hours after birth are filled with hope, nerves, and the quiet beginnings of bonding. But for some families, that fragile window takes a sharp turn. When a newborn begins to show signs of distress, like labored breathing, poor feeding, unusual body temperature, doctors must act quickly. If they fail to do so, the results can be life altering.
Neonatal sepsis is a medical emergency. A delay in recognizing or treating this infection can lead to permanent injury or even death. If your child was harmed because a provider did not respond to warning signs, you may have legal grounds to investigate further. At Latona Law, we help Pennsylvania families explore these situations with care and honesty. Every consultation is free, and every case begins with a conversation, not a commitment.
What Is Neonatal Sepsis and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Neonatal sepsis is a serious infection that occurs in newborns, usually within the first month of life. It can be caused by bacteria passed from the mother during labor or by exposure to infection shortly after birth. In either case, the infant’s immune system is still developing and often cannot fight off the infection without urgent medical care.
Symptoms can include changes in heart rate, unstable body temperature, irritability, and poor feeding. Some babies show only subtle signs, which is why it is critical for healthcare providers to stay alert, especially if the baby was born prematurely or had complications during delivery.
When left untreated or misdiagnosed, sepsis can spread rapidly, damaging the brain, lungs, or other organs. The consequences may lead to long-term health conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or hearing and vision problems.
How Medical Errors Contribute to Sepsis-Related Injuries
Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment of neonatal sepsis. Blood tests, cultures, and immediate antibiotics can often prevent the worst outcomes. But when doctors or nurses miss early signs or dismiss symptoms, that delay can put a baby’s life at risk.
In some cases, the signs of infection are misread as normal newborn adjustment. In others, warning signs may be ignored because the delivery appeared routine. These oversights are not just clinical mistakes. They can be signs of medical negligence or medical malpractice, especially if proper protocols were not followed.
Failure to monitor the newborn closely, delays in ordering tests, or not starting antibiotics quickly enough are all issues that may be reviewed in a birth injury case.
When a Missed Diagnosis Becomes Grounds for Legal Action
Not every case of neonatal sepsis is preventable. However, when a delay in diagnosis or treatment leads to permanent injury, families may have a right to take legal action. Pennsylvania law allows parents to file a claim when medical providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes harm.
These claims can provide compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation, future care, and emotional suffering. They can also bring clarity to families who have spent months or years wondering what really happened in those early hours after birth.
At Latona Law, we approach these cases with compassion and attention to detail. We work with medical experts who help us understand whether a delay or misstep changed the course of your child’s health.
How Latona Law Supports Birth Injury Cases Involving Sepsis
We know that parents come to us in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That is why we begin every case with listening. We want to hear what you experienced, what you were told, and how your child’s life has been affected. From there, we gather medical records, consult with experts, and determine whether the care you received meets legal standards.
Our firm has handled birth injury cases across Pennsylvania for over two decades. We understand both the medical complexity and emotional weight of these situations. There are no upfront fees to work with us, and no pressure to move forward unless you feel ready.
Steps You Can Take If You Suspect Medical Negligence
If you are wondering whether your child’s injury was the result of a missed infection, the most important step is to speak with someone who can help you understand what happened. Medical records hold valuable clues, but interpreting them requires legal and clinical knowledge.
You can begin by writing down the events you remember and any conversations you had with hospital staff. Even a few notes can be helpful. Then, consider contacting Latona Law. Our team can walk you through the next steps and help you decide what to do based on your unique situation.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Birth Injury Lawyer About Your Child’s Sepsis Diagnosis
When a newborn suffers harm from an infection that could have been treated, families are left carrying emotional and medical burdens they never expected. You may not be sure what went wrong or whether anything could have been done differently. That uncertainty can weigh heavily over time.
Speaking with a trusted birth injury lawyer can help you get the answers you need. At Latona Law, we offer free consultations to families throughout Pennsylvania who are navigating the aftermath of a missed neonatal sepsis diagnosis. If you are ready to take the next step, we are here to listen and help you understand your legal options.
Contact us today for your free consultation. Your family deserves clarity, and your child deserves every chance at a better future.