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Birth injuries can be severe and leave children facing lifelong impairments. There are many types of birth injuries, some that are noticeable right away and others that can take months or even years to recognize. Birth injuries that do not show up right away, such as those which leave lasting impacts on the baby's brain, are known as "latent" birth injuries. These types of injuries are far more concerning than normal birth injuries because they are often hard to distinguish and may not even be recognizable until your baby begins to grow older and shows signs of cognitive issues.
Signs of Latent Birth Injuires
Determining if your baby is suffering from latent birth issues can be a challenge and often confused with delayed developmental milestones. To best determine if your child is a victim of latent birth injuries, the first step is to know the signs.
No Standing – It's common for babies to begin learning to walk around the 15-month mark. If you notice your baby hasn't begun standing by this point, you should contact your doctor.
No Emotions – If you're noticing that your baby never laughs or smiles, it could be concerning, especially if they are always crying.
No Talking – After a few months, it's not uncommon to see babies begin to start babbling. If youre not hearing any babbles, or your child isn't starting to form words slightly by 16 months, you should contact your primary pediatrician as this could also be a concern.
No Reactions – Once your baby has been home for about one week, it should begin reacting to things such as loud noises and bright lights. If they fail to do so, you should not hesitate to seek immediate help.
No Grasping – Around 12 months, your baby should start trying to manipulate and grasp objects. This step being delayed could also be a prevalent sign of a lanted birth injury, and medical attention should be sought.
Causes of Lantent Birth Injuries
Many factors could play a part in your child developing latent birth injuries. Being cut off from oxygen during the birthing process could result in these types of damages, along with the doctor waiting too long to schedule an emergency cesarian section. Some of the other most common causes of latent birth injuries include:
Placental Abruption – Although not common, there are cases where the placenta can detach from the uterus, putting the baby at risk. It reduces the baby's oxygen supply and requires immediate medical attention.
Compressed Cord – This cuts off the baby's way of receiving oxygen, which is the most signifigantcause of brain damage if it is not treated immediately
High Blood Pressure – It is the medical staff's job to closely monitor the mother's vitals to ensure they are within a healthy range. Failure to do so could not only result in a medical malpractice lawsuit but cause the baby to suffer because they are not getting the blood and oxygen flow they need.
What Can I Do?
You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your baby may suffer from latent birth injuries. This way, you can get your baby adequately diagnosed and move forward from there. When dealing with latent birth injuries, there is no specific way to prepare for the extent of the injuries until your child is fully grown. New struggles can present themselves anytime, so you must be patient and understand your child's needs.
Once your child has been diagnosed, it can be very beneficial to consider working with an attorney, as you may be able to seek financial compensation. Every outcome is different based on the details of your case, but working with a skilled attorney can help determine what legal actions are best for you. Here at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we have the skill and experience you want on your side when fighting for your rights. We are dedicated to your case's success and won't stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today at visit us online to schedule your free case review with a member of our team.