Signs Your Child Suffered a Birth Injury

These Symptoms May Indicate Trauma Suffered at Birth

Having a child is a life-changing experience. It is often a mix of emotions from excitement and wonder to fear and anxiety. What few people expect is the devastation that comes when they find out their child has suffered a birth injury. It may be hard in the first few hours and days to determine whether your child sustained trauma at birth, but there are several signs and symptoms that should be cause for concern.

At The Beasley Firm, we have over 60 years of experience helping birth injury victims and their families. Our lawyers will work with you to ensure you receive the largest recovery possible based on your case. We are true trial lawyers who have secured over $2 billion for our clients. If you suspect that your child suffered an injury at birth due to medical malpractice, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

What Are the Signs of a Birth Injury?

Many times, birth injuries are obvious within the first few minutes of a child’s life. After labor and delivery, a doctor or nurse generally conducts an assessment of the infant. They will take into account things like their appearance, pulse, reaction to stimulation, and activity level to determine whether there may be a health concern.

Signs of a birth injury immediately after delivery may include:

• Stiffness
• Weak muscle tone or “floppy” appearance
• Seizures
• Rapid breathing
• Troubled or slow breathing
• The need for resuscitation
• Blue appearance
• Low heart rate
• Poor reflexes
• A limp extremity

If your child presents with any of these signs after birth, you need to consult with a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis. If it is determined that your child suffered trauma at birth, you may have a claim for damages. 

Can a Birth Injury Show Up Months After Delivery?

Birth injuries may not always be immediately apparent after labor and delivery. Over the first few hours and days, the infant may seem fine, receiving a normal Apgar score and responding well to life outside of the womb. Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of trauma suffered at birth may not show up for months or, in rare cases, years. 

Delayed signs of a birth injury:

• Not meeting milestones
• Inability to crawl or walk
• Stiff, rigid muscles
• Delayed speech and language
• Blindness or deafness
• Chronic illness
• Delayed development
• Epilepsy
• Delayed motor skills

Any indications of a birth injury should be taken seriously. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be critical to ensuring your child receives the care and treatment they need. If your child’s birth injury was the result of medical malpractice, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to discuss your case with an attorney to determine your legal rights.

Contact Our Office to Learn More

Did your child suffer an injury at birth? Contact our office today at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There are never any fees unless we win. Call now to speak directly with a member of our legal team.