Common Signs of Birth Injuries
            

If you have a child with a birth injury, you may know first-hand that not all birth injuries are obvious at the time of your child’s birth. As parents, the well-being of your newborn baby is your number one priority. However, internal injuries suffered at birth might not be obvious until the child fails to meet developmental milestones. Parents whose children are born with an immediately recognizable birth injury often obtain treatment and begin specialized care right away. Parents whose child’s birth injuries are not yet apparent go about raising their child and caring for his or her day-to-day needs without knowing there is something wrong and without the proper care until they begin to notice things that make them wonder whether their child’s health and development is “normal.”

Seizures, tremors, and body movements that appear to be abnormal or spastic get parents’ attention immediately and serve as a signal that something is wrong with the child’s health. When these things occur, parents usually have their child looked at by a doctor who can determine the underlying cause of the seizures or uncontrollable movements. A birth injury is one possible cause of seizures in babies and infants, along with other types of uncontrollable movements. It is possible that further investigation may reveal that the child was injured at birth.

Developmental delays are another sign that could indicate the possibility of a birth injury. It is true that each child develops at his or her own rate, but there are general guidelines that describe wide ranges of time within which almost all children accomplish certain tasks like rolling over, making eye contact, verbal sounds, crawling, and walking. If something seems wrong or delayed in a child’s development, it’s wise to seek pediatric advice. Your pediatrician will help clarify whether or not your child is taking his or her time with a particular milestone or whether a developmental delay is present. In situations where there is a developmental delay, the pediatrician will investigate whether a birth injury or some other factor could be the underlying cause of that delay.

Developmental delays, seizures, and abnormal body movements can all be indicators of a possible birth injury. It’s very important to be aware of your baby’s movements and growth patterns to ensure safe and healthy development.

If your child was diagnosed with a birth injury after experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not alone. My name is Charles H. Thronson, of Parsons Behle & Latimer, and I am here to help you get through this hard time and secure the financial support that you and your family needs. I have helped many families with injured children from Utah and throughout the United States to obtain the support and recovery that they deserve. If you have questions about birth injury lawsuits or would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact my office to schedule a consultation.