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The Importance of Early Detection for Birth Injuries

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When your child has suffered a birth injury or associated condition like Cerebral Palsy, detecting the warning signs is often a first step in the right direction. Modern medicine has provided a host of valuable tools and techniques to assist doctors in timely and accurate diagnosis of these conditions and yet, many times, they persist for years without proper diagnosis. While babies and young children are limited in their ability to communicate when something is wrong, parents and caregivers may begin to notice signs that something is amiss. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of your child’s doctor to detect abnormal symptoms and thoroughly investigate the root cause. Early detection for birth injuries is among the most important factors that contribute to timely and effective treatment. Often, early intervention can lead to improvements in the child’s quality of life in the near-term and far into the future. In addition, identifying and understanding a child’s condition early on can allow for more time to investigate possible medical negligence that may have caused their injuries and benefit you in bringing a legal claim against those responsible.

Why Early Intervention is Important for Your Child’s Prognosis

Detecting the signs that your child may have suffered brain damage, physical trauma, or another form of injury during or immediately after birth is vital to assist in diagnosing the underlying condition, as well as devising and implementing an effective treatment plan. Depending on the nature of the condition, your child may need assistance with mobility, muscle control, feeding, learning, and a host of other challenges.

For instance, children with Cerebral Palsy may exhibit abnormalities with muscle stiffness, tone, spasticity, or weakness. They may also favor one side of the body, have trouble with coordination and balance, and experience delays in developmental milestones. When a child suffers brain damage, he or she may have cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating, as well as problems with feeding and/or speech. Primarily physical birth injuries like those involving the brachial plexus network of nerves may initially be noticeable when an infant or baby has weakness and lack of movement in the arm, shoulder, wrist, or hand.

Regardless of the specific symptoms, doctors and treating healthcare providers must be aware of and continuously monitoring their young patients and conduct further testing if signs of a potential problem arise. Quite obviously, you cannot begin to address an issue without first, knowing of its existence and second, understanding what the specific condition is. With this vital information, you, your child’s doctor, and a collaborative care team can develop the best treatment approach, minimizing the extent or affect of certain complications and implementing corrective or supportive measures through medical interventions ranging from surgical to therapeutic. The specific goals and available treatment options are unique to each case.

How Early Detection of a Medical Condition can Benefit Your Legal Claim

The medical benefits of early detection and intervention in children with Cerebral Palsy and other birth injuries has been well-documented through an extensive and ever-expanding body of medical research. It is with this vital information that you can also begin investigating the circumstances surrounding your child’s medical care to uncover mistakes that may have resulted in their condition. With a diagnosis often comes an overwhelmingly costly slew of treatments and therapies, which can place an undue burden on your family’s finances. If the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals responsible for your child’s care failed to address certain risk factors for their injuries, were delayed in diagnosing their condition, mismanaged their birth or neonatal care, or committed another error, they can and should be held liable through legal action. A medical malpractice lawsuit allows victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses and lifelong treatment, as well as pain and suffering.

How a Medical Malpractice Attorney can Help after Your Child’s Diagnosis

If your child was recently diagnosed with a medical condition and you suspect medical mistakes during their birth or early life may have led to this condition, having an experienced medical malpractice attorney to examine, construct, and execute the most compelling claim on your behalf can place you in the best position for a recovery. You can find out more about how an experienced pediatric malpractice attorney can help by calling (866)-708-8617. Our legal team represents children with Cerebral Palsy, brain damage, brachial plexus injuries, hemorrhage, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and an array of other conditions that have been caused by medical malpractice or may have been prevented with appropriate care. Our practice spans the entire state of New Jersey, including Bergen County, Passaic County, Middlesex County, Hudson County, and Ocean County. Please feel free to fill out our online form for a free evaluation of your child’s case.

Related Resources:

Strategies for the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Frederick B. Palmer, MD., Journal of Pediatrics

Improving Outcomes in Cerebral Palsy with Early Intervention: New Translational Approaches, Anna Purna Basu and Gavin Clowry, Frontiers in Neurology

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  • How do I know if my child has a pediatric malpractice case?

    If your child suffered an injury, complications, or a medical condition resulting from medical negligence, you may have grounds for a pediatric malpractice or birth injury lawsuit. Learn more.

  • How can I get help to pay for my child's medical bills?

    If a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider failed to provide adequate care for your child and they suffered harm, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Find out about damages.

  • How long do I have to file a pediatric malpractice claim?

    The statute of limitations to file a medical malpractice lawsuit varies from state to state. The time limits may begin when your child's condition is identified, not necessarily when it occurred. Contact us for information that applies to your child's specific case.

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