Birth injuries can be one of the most devastating problems a parent can face. Some might be unavoidable due to complications during pregnancy, and others still are caused by the negligent acts of medical staff during labor and birthing. Regardless of what causes a birth injury, it is important to be able to identify and address it as soon as possible. In doing so, you might be able to get your baby the care he or she needs and potentially reverse or lessen the damage they have suffered.
Common Symptoms You May Be Able to Identify
Obviously a newborn child will not be able to tell you what is hurting them, so it is up to the parents to keep an eye out and identify any problems. While some symptoms of birth injuries might not be readily apparent – such as developmental issues years later – there are physical symptoms that could be telltale signs of a birth injury.
Physical behaviors that could be indicative of a problem include:
- Difficulty eating
- Excessive drool
- Persistent vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Grunting
- General lethargy
Certain health issues can stem from a birth injury, such as:
- Fever
- Low heart rate
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Abnormal rate of weight gain
- Constipation
- Pale, waxy skin
Finally, you may have to look for problems with motor control. As Erb’s palsy and brachial plexus injuries – damage to the arm or shoulder – are some of the most common forms of birth injuries caused by medical malpractice, it could be possible that a muscular, skeletal, or nerve problem is afflicting your child.
Keep an eye on your child and see if he or she:
- Favors one side of his or her body
- Has poor or nonexistent reflexes
- Experiences spasms
- Curls his or her hand into a claw-like shape
- Expresses pain when moving his or her arm
- Has difficulty crawling
Note: This is not a fully comprehensive list of all symptoms related to all birth injuries. If your child is showing strange behavior or has a concerning health issue that is not mentioned, you should still consult with a medical professional or pediatrician as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Child Has Suffered a Birth Injury
If your child has exhibited any of these symptoms and a medical professional confirmed your suspicions, you might be able to pursue compensation that helps you pay for necessary treatments, medication, or therapy. As a birth injury could be permanent, you will also want to be compensated for procedures that are necessary for the rest of your child’s life. At Rourke and Blumenthal LLC, our Columbus birth injury attorneys understand that your ability to care for your child could depend entirely on the results of a lawsuit you file against the liable parties. By paying attention to subtle details and reviewing medical records, we might be able to prove that your child’s birth injury was caused by the medical staff that assisted the birth.
Contact us today to learn your legal options and start seeking justice for you and your child.