What to Do When Your Child Suffers a Birth Injury

Discovering that your child has developed a birth injury at birth is an awful and frightening experience. It leaves you in shock, and apprehensive about the future. Birth injuries vary from those that will be cured in a few years to those so devastating and irremediable that they will cause disability. No matter the reason and to what degree, immediate and informed action must be taken to ensure your child’s health and access to the help your family may need. Follow these steps in the case where your child experienced a birth injury.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s safety and wellness are always priority number one. Call for a medical assessment immediately if you suspect something is happening. An early diagnosis can significantly contribute to determining your child’s treatment and outcome.

Medical records are also vital. Having your medical history accurately and contemporaneously documented can be a helpful guide to what and when the injury occurred. The doctor’s note will be helpful, medically and legally, if you ever seek any form of accountability or reimbursement.

Document Everything

Open a file and gather any correspondence, tests, and medical reports about your child’s injury. These are office charges by a physician, office notes, insurance forms, and physical or occupational therapy session forms.

Up-to-date and correct records will allow development and costs to be tracked and a file compiled on the effect of the injury on your child. Also, maintain good records in case you sue. Paper records verify your claims and allow your lawyers to represent you more effectively.

Know your Rights

If there is the possibility of medical negligence having happened, you can certainly take legal steps against the liable party or parties. It could be the start of making available the resources you need for your child’s lifetime needs. An attorney can tell you whether and on what basis you might have medical malpractice as a grounds of relief.

Suffering families with conditions such as Erb’s palsy, which typically occur as a result of a difficult delivery, can get help from specialized law firms. The Erb’s palsy law firms provide you with lawyers who will understand your case, offering the quality assistance it deserves. Give them all the information so they will be equipped to present your case.

Speak with Specialists

Once the first care is complete, it’s time to find medical professionals specializing in the kind of injury your child experienced. Pediatric neurologists, physical therapists, and developmental specialists could give special rehab treatment and therapy to your child’s development.

They will also help you describe the potential impact of the injury. This information helps you make informed choices and formulate a good plan of care, therapy, and education for your child’s needs.

Get Emotional and Community Support

Birth injuries don’t affect only the child but also the family. Meeting the emotional needs is as difficult as meeting the physical needs. Feelings of anger and guilt that parents may experience can be alleviated through counseling, treatment, and by fostering better coping strategies and resilience.

You are not alone. Offline or online support groups might connect you with other families in the same situation as you. Hearing what they’ve experienced, their guidance and encouragement on your part may be what you need as you continue forward.

Endnote

When your child is born with a birth injury, the future can seem uncertain, but immediate action is all that matters. From urgent medical care to emotional and legal guidance, every action you take dictates the destiny of your child’s life. By becoming well-educated, well-equipped, and strongly connected with the proper professionals and networks, you are equipping your family to stay strong and cling to hope and the support you rightly deserve.