When a child suffers a birth injury, the timing of the diagnosis can vary. Some injuries are immediately apparent at birth, while others may not be recognized until months or years later as the child grows and develops.
Knowing when birth injuries are typically diagnosed is important for parents seeking treatment and legal action. At Beam Legal Team, our experienced Chicago birth injury lawyers help families fight for fair compensation to cover the costs of living with a diagnosed condition.
Spotting Birth Injuries Early: What to Look For
Certain birth injuries are identifiable right after birth. Medical staff may observe physical signs or symptoms and diagnose an injury right after birth. Examples of immediately diagnosable conditions include:
- Broken Bones and Fractures: During a difficult delivery, a baby may suffer fractures, such as a broken clavicle or arm. These injuries are usually apparent because of visible swelling, bruising, or abnormal limb positioning. An X-ray can quickly confirm a diagnosis, such as Erb’s Palsy, allowing medical professionals to begin treatment.
- Facial Nerve Damage: Facial nerve injuries may become evident shortly after birth, detectable by asymmetrical facial features when crying or feeding. Misuse of forceps or prolonged labor often causes these injuries. Early diagnosis helps determine if there is temporary or permanent nerve damage so doctors can provide intervention.
- Brain Injuries From Lack of Oxygen: Signs of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), caused by reduced oxygen supply during birth, often appear shortly after delivery. Symptoms like labored breathing, weak muscle tone, or seizures may signal this condition, prompting quick diagnosis and medical treatment to minimize its impact on the baby.
When Delayed Diagnosis Matters: Signs to Watch for as Your Child Grows
Some birth injuries only become noticeable as a child grows, and parents become aware of missed developmental milestones. They may notice delays in speech, movement, or cognitive abilities, prompting further medical checks. The following birth injuries have longer timeframes for diagnosis:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP): Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle tone. Children usually receive a diagnosis by age 2, but it can be as late as age 5. Red flags include an inability to roll over, crawl, or walk on schedule. Early intervention can improve outcomes, but the delayed nature of this diagnosis can complicate medical and legal responses.
- Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities: Brain injuries can cause developmental challenges that often emerge in preschool or kindergarten. Signs like focus issues, speech delays, or learning struggles may signal the need for a medical evaluation. This can result in a diagnosis such as Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder or autism spectrum disorder, potentially tracing back to an injury at birth.
- Hearing or Vision Impairments: Some birth injuries affect sensory abilities, but signs can take time to surface. Hearing loss might only become evident during standard hearing tests or if the child doesn’t respond to sounds. Vision issues often become apparent when a child has trouble tracking objects or focusing. These frequently co-occur with birth injuries like CP caused by a provider’s negligence.
Why Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference for Your Child
Recognizing a birth injury early can improve a child’s future. Quick intervention, like physical therapy or specialized care, builds strength, sharpens coordination, and develops motor skills, helping your child reach their full potential. Early diagnosis lets families plan for necessary support, like occupational therapy, special education, or essential medical equipment.
From a legal perspective, early diagnosis helps gather essential evidence, such as medical records and expert opinions, to prove medical negligence. A prompt diagnosis strengthens the case against responsible parties and increases the chances of obtaining compensation for medical expenses, future care, and emotional impact.
How Our Birth Injury Lawyers Build Your Case
At Beam Legal Team, we understand the challenges families face when dealing with birth injuries. We can review your case and outline your legal options during a free consultation.
Our qualified team uses their experience and expertise to help you secure the compensation needed to provide your child with the best possible care. We collect all necessary medical records, consult expert witnesses, and build a strong case on your family’s behalf.
Secure Your Child’s Future: Act Today
The timeline for diagnosing birth injuries varies widely, from obvious issues at birth to developmental delays that become apparent years later. If your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury, early action is crucial for both medical treatment and legal support.
Our compassionate and knowledgeable birth injury lawyers at Beam Legal Team have years of experience handling these cases and a winning track record of securing compensation for families across the U.S.
Contact us today for a free case review.
