Birth injuries are physical or neurological impairments that occur during labor and delivery. Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others, like cerebral palsy or intellectual disability, might not become evident until months or years later.
Delayed detection can complicate diagnosis and treatment, requiring parents to act quickly and strategically upon discovery. In this blog, we discuss the steps to take with a Chicago birth injury lawyer at Beam Legal Team to get your child the support they need to improve their quality of life.
1. Get a Medical Evaluation.
When you suspect a delayed birth injury, the first step is to seek a medical evaluation. This action ensures potential issues are identified and addressed as early as possible.
Here’s what to do:
- See your pediatrician. Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. They can conduct a thorough examination and assess the child’s developmental milestones.
- Discuss your observations. Communicate any concerns about the child’s development or unusual symptoms you have noticed, such as limited mobility or delayed speech.
- Request a referral for specialists. Depending on the initial assessment, the pediatrician may refer your child to specialists such as a neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or physical therapist for further evaluation.
- Follow through with diagnostic tests. These may include MRI scans, CT scans, or genetic testing to determine the nature and extent of the neurological condition.
- Keep detailed records. Document all appointments, observations, symptoms, and communications with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive monitoring and follow-up care.
2. Gather Medical Records.
Gathering medical records is an essential step after noticing a delayed birth injury. It provides a detailed history of your child’s health and birth circumstances.
Contact the hospital and healthcare providers where your child was born to obtain complete medical records. Request all documents regarding prenatal care, labor and delivery notes, and newborn care files. Review the records and note any missing information or discrepancies.
Arrange the documents in order so you can easily track the timeline of care and identify any critical incidents or decisions. Store the records securely and make digital backups for future medical assessments or legal actions.
3. Consult with Legal Professionals.
Birth injury cases can be legally complex, especially when injuries are discovered years later. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in birth injury cases is critical. Our attorneys at Beam Legal Team can determine if you have a birth injury case by looking for evidence of the following:
- Previous medical errors during pregnancy or delivery
- Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s health during labor
- Failure to respond to fetal distress
- Improper use of birth-assisting tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
- Delays in performing necessary medical procedures, such as a cesarean section
- Discrepancies or inconsistencies in medical records
- Signs of inadequate follow-up care or monitoring post-delivery
If your child suffered from medical negligence, we can help you pursue compensation for your child’s ongoing medical expenses, physical therapy, and other related costs.
4. Focus on Coping Strategies and Support Systems.
Coping with the discovery of a birth injury can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to seek support for both your child and your family in the following ways:
- Therapy and Counseling: Seek professional help from therapists or counselors who specialize in dealing with trauma or stress related to medical issues. They can offer targeted strategies and support to manage the emotional impact of a birth injury on your family.
- Support Groups: Join support groups for parents of children with birth injuries. Sharing experiences and advice with others in similar situations can provide comfort and practical tips.
- Educational Workshops: Participate in workshops or training sessions that focus on caring for children with special needs. These programs can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can help you better support your child’s development.
- Resource Coordination: Seek out a case manager or a resource coordinator specializing in pediatric care. They can help you navigate healthcare services, therapy options, and available financial aid programs tailored to your child’s needs.
Act Now with Beam Legal Team
Discovering a birth injury years after it occurred is a daunting experience, but taking prompt and informed actions can help you get your child the help they need.
If you suspect your child’s birth injury was due to medical negligence, contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer from Beam Legal Team today for a free, confidential consultation. We can review your case and discuss your legal options for securing the compensation your family deserves.