When complications happen during childbirth, they can leave lasting effects—not just on the newborn, but on the entire family. In the aftermath, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what went wrong or what steps to take next. Questions start to surface: Was this avoidable? Could it have been prevented? And if so, who’s responsible?
If you’re facing these concerns after a birth injury in Pennsylvania, you’re not alone. This post covers some of the most frequent questions parents have about birth injury law in PA—and what legal options may be available. If you’re ready to talk things through, Latona Law is here to support you.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury is any physical harm a newborn experiences right before, during, or just after delivery. Some injuries are minor and heal quickly, while others can have lasting effects. Not every complication during childbirth is avoidable—but when an injury happens because a doctor or medical team didn’t follow proper care standards, it may be a case of negligence.
Conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or broken bones during delivery are examples of birth injuries. These often result from things like delayed C-sections or improper use of tools like forceps or vacuums.
It’s also important to know that birth injuries aren’t the same as birth defects. Birth defects usually develop during pregnancy, while birth injuries are more often tied to something that went wrong during labor or delivery.
If you’re unsure what caused your child’s condition, it may help to have an experienced legal team review the situation and walk you through your options.
How Do I Know If the Injury Was Caused by Medical Negligence?
When a birth injury happens, parents often wonder if different actions could have prevented it. Medical negligence occurs when a doctor or healthcare provider fails to follow accepted care standards resulting in harm to the patient.
Some red flags to watch for include C-sections that were delayed too long, misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors, or inaction when the baby showed signs of distress during labor. While these issues don’t always point to negligence, they can raise important questions that need answers.
Since most parents don’t have immediate answers, it often takes a legal and medical review to know for sure. A birth injury lawyer can help examine records, consult experts, and figure out whether the injury was preventable. If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting a second look.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Birth Injury Case?
When a birth injury is caused by medical negligence, several parties could potentially be held responsible. Often, the delivering doctor is the first person reviewed—especially if their decisions directly impacted the outcome. But others may share liability too.
Nurses, anesthesiologists, or support staff might be at fault if they missed distress signs or didn’t follow proper protocol. Hospitals or birthing centers can also bear responsibility if poor staffing, lack of training, or faulty equipment played a part.
What Compensation Can We Pursue?
When a birth injury occurs due to medical negligence, the consequences often extend beyond the delivery room. Families might face years or even a lifetime of medical care, therapies, and unexpected expenses. That’s why seeking compensation isn’t just about paying bills, it’s to ensure your child receives the support they need in the future.
Compensation for these cases can cover many needs, like medical bills, ongoing care, home support, and special equipment. If a parent had to quit their job or work less to care for their child, lost wages might also be included. On top of that, you could ask for money for suffering, stress, and the overall impact the injury has on your family’s life.
Because every situation is different, the exact amount and type of compensation depends on your child’s condition and future needs. An experienced birth injury attorney can help you understand what’s possible—and fight for the full amount your family deserves.
How a Pennsylvania Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
After a birth injury, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what to do next. You’re focused on your child, trying to understand what went wrong, and likely feeling the weight of unanswered questions. That’s when having a Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer can make all the difference.
A lawyer who’s handled these kinds of cases knows how to look beneath the surface. They’ll go through the medical records, work with trusted experts, and figure out if the injury might have been avoided. It’s about understanding whether the care you received met the standards it should have.
They’ll also help guide you through everything that follows—dealing with insurance, communicating with hospitals, and making sure your rights are protected from the start. It’s not just legal help—it’s support from someone who understands what’s at stake and knows how to advocate for families in your situation.
Speak with the Birth Injury Lawyers of Latona Law Today
If you’re dealing with the effects of a birth injury and wondering what your options are, we’re here to help. At Latona Law, we take the time to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps. Reach out for a free consultation—no pressure, just a conversation about what’s best for your family.