The signs of an abnormal baby can vary widely depending on their condition, their age, and the severity of their birth defect or birth injury. Babies can have unusual symptoms for a number of reasons. They may indicate a temporary concern or a permanent injury. In addition, the condition may be minor or severe.
If your baby has any unusual symptoms or doing anything that concerns you, discuss it with a trusted physician or medical professional. They may be able to set your mind at ease, order tests to learn more, or help you get the diagnosis you need to help your child get started with treatment or therapy.
In addition, you may be able to get a good idea about the cause of their defect or injury, whether it was diagnosable before birth, or whether it occurred because of a preventable injury during birth.
Signs of Birth Defects and Birth Injuries
Some birth defects or birth injuries are apparent from the moment a baby is born. Examples include many neural tube defects such as spina bifida, other spinal cord issues, hydrocephalus, cleft lip and/or cleft palate, and, often, Down syndrome and other trisomies.
In some cases, when babies suffer birth injuries that leave them with brain damage, they may suffer neonatal seizures during the first few days after their birth or late during their first year of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 0.6 percent of children under the age of 18 in the United States are living with active epilepsy. If your child has a seizure for the first time, you should seek medical care immediately.
Other conditions may have signs that only appear later on, such as hypotonia (low muscle tone), arthrogryposis (joint contractures), and problems with feeding and motor skill development. Children may miss multiple developmental milestones before it becomes clear there is a problem.
In some cases, the signs of a congenital condition or injury may not appear until the child is over a year old, or even older. These conditions may include muscular dystrophies, cerebral palsy, and intellectual or learning disabilities.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Testing Can Identify the Cause of Your Child’s Symptoms
If you report concerning signs and symptoms to your child’s doctor, they should take steps to understand what your child is experiencing and why. Your next step may require a visual or physical exam, laboratory or blood testing, and medical imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), electroencephalogram (EEG), and electromyography (EMG).
If you do not feel like the doctor is taking your concerns seriously, you may want to see a second opinion.
Birth Injuries, Medical Malpractice, and Your Baby’s Diagnosis
If your baby exhibits signs of an abnormal baby and receives a diagnosis that may be indicative of a birth injury or missed prenatal or neonatal diagnosis, you may have a viable birth injury medical malpractice claim. To learn more, you should connect with a birth injury lawyer who handles these cases in your area. Every state has medical malpractice statutes and statutes of limitations that apply. You will need a knowledgeable attorney who can handle this process and represent your family’s best interests.
You can learn more based on the specific details of your child’s case during a free case evaluation. If you have a strong case, your attorney will take action to seek a payout on your child’s behalf and represent your interests in this matter.
Recoverable damages include both current and future losses, such as
- Medical care and treatment
- Ongoing care costs
- Time you had to take away from work to care for your child
- Related expenses
- Pain and suffering your child endured
These cases often settle out of court, but your attorney may need to pursue a lawsuit in a civil court near you to present your child’s case and request a fair payout.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Talk to a Member of Our Birth Injury Team About Your Baby Today
If your fear that your child has a serious medical concern leads to a diagnosis of a birth injury or a related condition, you can get help today by reaching out to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. Connect with us for a free case review and to discuss your child’s injuries and diagnosis with a member of our team.
Most medical malpractice attorneys, including those who represent families in birth injury cases, handle these cases based on contingent fees. Contingency fees mean you will not have to pay for their services until they secure compensation in your case. If they do not secure a payout, you do not pay.
Call (800) 222-9529 now to learn more during your complimentary case evaluation.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."