What Are the Signs of a Birth Injury?
The signs of a birth injury vary greatly according to the type and severity of the condition. Even if symptoms seem subtle, such as the slight favoring of one side of the body over the other, it is important to document any abnormalities your baby may experience. Documenting suspected symptoms will help a doctor assess your child's situation.
As you evaluate the symptoms of a birth injury, it's important to understand that you are not alone. Estimates are that five to seven families out of 1,000 births grapple with a birth injury. If your doctor confirms that your child did suffer a preventable birth injury, there are several important resources available to help you and your family.
Birth Injury Symptoms May Be Difficult to Detect
Depending on the birth injury, symptoms may differ greatly, but there are signs that parents should be alert to recognize and report to a doctor:
- Limited mobility or difficulty moving
- Jerky arm or head movement
- Clenched fists or toes
- Paralyzed face, arms or legs
- Inability to engage in baby talk
- Fractures or bruising
- Developmental delays
- Excessive crying or unhappiness
In some cases, symptoms of a birth injury may not surface until much later in a child's life. It's not uncommon for parents to begin to consider a birth injury once their child goes through pre-kindergarten testing or has difficulty mastering subjects in school. Once you suspect that your child may have been harmed, it's best to consult with a medical professional who can help pinpoint the diagnosis.
After a birth injury diagnosis such as Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia, parents should consider the child's long-term needs and the financial toll that may be associated with a birth injury caused by a medical professional. The speech and language therapy or physical therapy following a birth injury can be expensive, and a lawsuit against the at-fault party may help you and your family pay for your child's care and long-term needs.
Learn More About Taking Legal Action
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases.
To discuss your child's birth injury with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
