The birth of a child is meant to be one of life’s happiest moments. Parents imagine holding their newborn, hearing that first cry, and bringing their baby home. Yet when a medical mistake leads to a birth injury, that joy can quickly turn into fear and uncertainty.
The reality for many Pennsylvania families is that caring for a child with a birth injury is not just emotionally exhausting but also financially overwhelming. Hospital bills pile up, therapy becomes part of daily life, and one parent may even have to give up work to provide care. These costs add up not just for months but often for decades. Families facing this struggle deserve to know that they may be entitled to recover compensation through legal action. At Latona Law, we have guided many parents through this process. If your child was harmed during birth, contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
The Hidden Financial Strain of a Birth Injury
The first signs of financial strain often appear in the hospital. Some infants require time in the neonatal intensive care unit. Others need immediate surgery or round-the-clock monitoring. While insurance may cover a portion, out-of-pocket bills arrive quickly and can be staggering.
But the costs rarely end when the baby leaves the hospital. Many children with cerebral palsy, brain damage, or nerve injuries require therapy sessions several times a week. Specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, or communication devices becomes a necessity. Even the family home may need adjustments like ramps, widened doorways, or bathroom modifications to ensure safety and mobility.
Then there are the costs that are harder to measure. A parent may reduce work hours or leave a job entirely to care for the child. This loss of income affects not only monthly expenses but also long-term financial security. Vacations are postponed, savings accounts dwindle, and future plans shift. Families often describe this as a weight that never seems to lift.
What Families Can Recover Through Legal Action
When a birth injury is caused by negligence, Pennsylvania law gives families the right to seek compensation. This recovery is about more than medical bills. It is about ensuring a child receives the care and support needed for a meaningful life.
Compensation can include coverage for ongoing medical treatment, from doctor visits to complex surgeries later in life. It may also cover physical, occupational, and speech therapy that helps children reach their potential. Families can seek damages for lost wages when a parent is unable to continue working and for the loss of future earnings if the child’s ability to work as an adult is limited or eliminated.
Beyond the financial losses, courts may also award compensation for pain and suffering. This recognizes not only the child’s struggles but also the emotional toll carried by the family. It is a way of acknowledging that the harm is not just physical but deeply personal.
The Legal Process in Pennsylvania
Pursuing a birth injury claim is rarely straightforward. These cases require showing that doctors or hospitals failed to meet the standard of care. Expert testimony is often needed to explain how mistakes were made and how those mistakes caused lasting harm.
Timing is also critical. Pennsylvania has strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims. Missing those deadlines can mean losing the chance to seek justice, no matter how strong the evidence may be. That is why speaking with an attorney early is so important.
At Latona Law, we work closely with medical experts, gather detailed records, and build strong cases for families. Just as importantly, we approach each case with compassion. We understand parents are already carrying more than enough stress. Our role is to guide the legal fight so families can focus on caring for their child.
A Path Toward Stability and Justice
The cost of caring for a child with a birth injury reaches far beyond hospital walls. It touches every part of life and often lasts a lifetime. While no legal case can undo what has happened, pursuing compensation can provide the resources families need to move forward with stability and hope.
If your child was injured at birth because of medical negligence, you are not alone. Contact Latona Law today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice, accountability, and financial support your family deserves.