Birth injuries can tragically result from improper medical care. Understanding the different types of birth injuries can help parents recognize when something may have gone wrong and take appropriate steps. Below are some of the most common types of birth injuries and what you can do if you suspect your child has been affected.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
The brain is arguably the most important organ in a person’s body because it controls bodily functions as well as cognitive processing. When it suffers damage, the results can be devastating. Brain injuries are often caused by the negligence of healthcare professionals before, during, and/or after the birthing process. Common types of brain injuries include:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): HIE occurs when a baby’s brain does not receive enough blood and oxygen during birth.
- Brain Swelling: Brain swelling can occur when there is a build-up of fluid in the brain, which increases intracranial pressure.
- Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most recognized birth injuries. The nomenclature derives from cerebral (having to do with the brain) and palsy (weakness or problems with muscles). Like HIE, CP can occur when the baby’s brain doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen.
What Are the Major Signs of Brain Injury?
Major signs of brain injury include physical symptoms such as headaches and seizures; sensory symptoms such as sensitivity to loud noise, bright lights, and vision problems; cognitive symptoms such as executive functioning deficits, memory problems, and inability to form age-appropriate thoughts and conclusions; speech symptoms such as difficulty communicating, enunciating, or speaking at all; and behavioral and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, disinhibition, poor regulation of impulses, and depression.
What Can I Do If I Suspect a Birth Injury?
If you believe your child has suffered a birth injury, it is crucial to act quickly. Here are some steps to consider:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you notice signs of a birth injury, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or unusual muscle tone, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can be vital in managing the effects of some birth injuries.
- Request a Full Medical Examination: Have your child thoroughly examined by a pediatrician or a specialist to assess for any signs of injury or developmental concerns. If necessary, ask for additional diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, to understand the extent of the injury.
- Consult a Philadelphia Birth Injury Attorney: Consulting with a birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, therapy, and other costs associated with the injury.
- Obtain Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including those from the prenatal period, labor, delivery, and any follow-up treatments. These records can be essential if you decide to pursue legal action. Your birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia can help you collect all necessary records, especially when the defendants try to evade the process.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document any symptoms, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. Maintaining detailed records will be helpful when you need to demonstrate the extent of the injury and its impact on your child’s life.
If you suspect your child has suffered a birth injury, it’s imperative that you talk to an experienced birth injury attorney in Philadelphia. Find one at VSCP Law.
