Birth injuries are a type of trauma that occurs during the birth process, affecting the baby’s health and well-being. These injuries can have a significant impact on a child’s life and can lead to long-term physical and cognitive impairments. While some birth injuries are immediately apparent, others may take months or even years to surface.
By knowing the common symptoms of birth injuries, you can better identify whether your child has become a victim of medical malpractice. Since various signs may surface at different stages of development, it’s important to remain observant throughout your child’s growth.
If you notice any signs of a birth injury, seek medical attention right away. Then, contact an Augusta birth injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Common Birth Injury Symptoms Immediately After Birth
Birth injuries that occur during delivery can be life-threatening or cause long-term damage. Here are the most common birth injury symptoms that occur immediately after birth:
Sensitivity to light
Low oxygen levels
Low heart rate
Seizures
Excessive drooling
High-pitched crying
Excessive fussiness
Muscle stiffness or looseness
Skull fractures or head injuries
Facial nerve injuries
Difficulty eating, sucking, or swallowing
An arched back while crying
Weak or absent reflexes
Common Birth Injury Symptoms at 12–24 Months Old
Some birth injuries may not become apparent until the child is a toddler. These symptoms can be difficult to recognize, but they may include:
Poor coordination
Needing help to sit, stand, walk, or crawl
Speech delays or no speech development
Intellectual disabilities, such as low memory retention
Inability to pass small objects from one hand to another
Difficulty with eating, drinking, and grasping utensils or cups
Not bringing objects to mouth or turning head to loud noises
Difficulty with walking or crawling
Lack of muscle control or spasms
Vision and/or hearing problems
Common Birth Injury Symptoms for Children Two Years and Older
Birth injuries can continue to affect a child as they grow up. Below are the most common birth injury symptoms for children two years and older:
Inability to speak or understand complete sentences
Blindness, deafness, or muteness
Difficulty dressing, eating, or drinking without assistance
Difficulty walking up and down stairs or running
Experiencing muscle stiffness or looseness
Problems with fine motor skills due to jerky reflexes
Tremors or shakiness
Inability to draw straight lines or circles
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Birth Injury
The consequences of birth injuries can be substantial, resulting in long-term physical and cognitive impairments for the child. These injuries can also result in emotional trauma, financial hardship, and a reduction in the quality of life.
In Georgia, victims of birth injuries have the right to pursue legal action against negligent medical professionals. To protect your child’s case and his or her right to compensation, take the following steps:
Seek medical attention immediately. A pediatrician or specialist can evaluate your child’s symptoms and provide a diagnosis.
Save as much evidence as possible. Keep all medical records and any other evidence related to your child’s birth and injury.
Contact an attorney. Victims of birth injuries are eligible for compensation through a lawsuit against the negligent medical professional. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your child’s rights.
If you suspect that your child has a birth injury, it’s essential to speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options. As soon as possible following your child’s diagnosis, schedule a free case consultation with a Georgia birth injury lawyer and take your first steps toward justice.
