Birth Injury Attorneys - ChildBirthInjuries.com

Symptoms of Birth Trauma & Injuries

How is a birth injury identified? The symptoms of a birth injury may vary depending on the nature of the trauma. In some cases, evidence of a birth injury can be seen immediately after delivery. However, in other cases, symptoms do not emerge until the child is several months — or years — old.

Symptoms of injuries seen immediately after birth may include:

• Abrasions, bruises or lacerations on the infant's head, face or shoulders
• Lack of movement on one side of the baby's face, more noticeable when crying
• Infant does not freely move one arm
• Arm appears limp or paralyzed
• The infant's arm is bent at the wrist, with straight fingers
• Raised lump on the baby's scalp
• Bruising or swelling on the scalp
• Infant does not begin breathing immediately after birth
• Baby's skin remains a dusky blue in color rather than pink
• Seizures that develop within 24 to 48 hours
• Infant is "floppy" and does not appear to have proper muscle control

Birth injury symptoms that emerge later in a child's life may include:

• Lack of muscle coordination
• Slow, uncontrolled movements
• Lack of depth perception and balance
• Stiff muscles
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Uneven gait
• Drooling
• Tremors
• Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing or using scissors
• Slow development

Symptoms of birth injuries can range from very mild to extremely severe and life-impairing. If a parent or caregiver notices any of these symptoms in an infant or child, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

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If you think your child is suffering from a birth injury as a result of medical negligence, contact us.

The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit. The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit.