A birth injury should ideally be diagnosed immediately at delivery or as soon as possible thereafter, depending on the type and severity of the harm in question. Some birth injuries cause obvious symptoms right away, while others may not become fully apparent until weeks later as a child begins to miss developmental milestones. Early diagnosis is critical because prompt medical care can reduce long-term damage and help families begin necessary treatment.

Birth injuries can dramatically affect the infant’s life going forward. Some are caused by oxygen deprivation and various forms of medical negligence, such as the failure to monitor fetal distress. While some injuries heal over time, others may lead to permanent disabilities that require lifelong care.

Common Signs That May Point to a Birth Injury

Some birth injuries are immediately visible, while others develop gradually. Parents should remain alert for physical, neurological, and developmental warning signs. Possible red flags of birth injuries include the following:

  • Weak muscle tone
  • Limited movement on one side of the body
  • Seizures shortly after birth
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Abnormal breathing patterns
  • Poor reflexes
  • Delayed crawling or walking
  • Missed speech milestones

These signs do not always confirm a birth injury on their own, but they warrant prompt medical evaluation.

Injuries That Are Sometimes Diagnosed Later

Not all birth injuries are discovered immediately. Some neurological conditions may not become obvious until a child falls behind developmentally. This is common with conditions tied to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nerve damage, to name a couple of examples.

Parents may first notice concerns during routine checkups when growth patterns or movement seem abnormal. Developmental delays, persistent stiffness, and poor coordination can all point to an underlying injury that occurred at birth as well.

What Should Parents Do if They Suspect a Birth Injury?

If parents suspect that something is wrong, they should push for a thorough medical evaluation without delay. Seeking early intervention services can make a meaningful difference in both physical and cognitive outcomes.

It is also important for families to request and preserve medical records related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These records can help doctors understand what happened and may later become critical if questions arise about whether proper care was provided in a medical malpractice case.

When Legal Deadlines May Come Into Play

In California, medical malpractice cases tied to birth injuries are subject to strict statute of limitations deadlines. These time limits can depend on when the injury was discovered rather than the date of birth itself. This makes early diagnosis especially important for families who may later need to explore legal options down the line.

Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer for Legal Guidance

If your child’s birth injury was diagnosed late or you are still searching for answers about what went wrong, speaking with a birth injury lawyer can help you understand your options. These cases often involve complex medical records and expert analysis, which can be difficult for families to navigate alone.

If you need help, set up a free consultation with The Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel and Associates today. You can get in touch by giving us a call at (800) 541-9376 or by contacting us online.