When a baby is born with developmental delays, as a parent, you might find yourself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and wondering if something went wrong during the birth process. You may be asking yourself if this could have been prevented or if the delays could have been caught sooner. If you suspect negligence played a role in your baby’s developmental delays, a medical malpractice attorney can help you pursue the answers and compensation you deserve.
At Davis & Davis, we empathize with the heartache and uncertainty you are going through. Our team is dedicated to standing by your side, offering the support and legal guidance you need to explore your options for justice. With over 70 years of combined experience in medical malpractice cases, we are equipped to help you navigate the birth injury claims process.
What Are Developmental Delays?
When a child does not reach developmental milestones within the typical age range, they may be considered developmentally delayed. These delays can affect various areas, such as:
- Motor skills: This includes difficulties with physical movements such as crawling, walking, or holding objects. Fine motor skills (using hands and fingers) and gross motor skills (using larger muscle groups) may be impacted.
- Speech and language: Challenges with understanding and using language can affect both verbal communication and comprehension. This includes difficulties with speaking clearly, using words appropriately, or understanding what others say.
- Cognitive abilities: Problems with thinking, learning, and problem-solving skills can affect a child’s ability to process information, make decisions, or understand complex concepts.
- Social and emotional development: Difficulties in interacting with others, understanding social cues, or managing emotions might manifest as challenges in forming relationships, playing with peers, or expressing feelings appropriately.
- Adaptive skills: Struggles with daily living activities such as dressing, feeding, or toileting are skills needed to live independently and function well in daily life.
The heartache of seeing your child struggle with delays that could have been prevented is immense. You might be grappling with questions about what went wrong, feeling isolated, or overwhelmed by the complex emotions that come with such a challenging situation. At Davis & Davis, we can help you navigate these difficult times by offering skilled legal support.
Common Causes of Developmental Delays from the Birth Process
Developmental delays linked to the birth process can arise from several factors that affect a baby’s immediate health and long-term development. Common causes include:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): HIE occurs when the baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen during or shortly after birth. This often includes complications during labor and delivery, such as prolonged or obstructed labor or umbilical cord problems.
- Birth trauma: Physical injuries sustained during a difficult delivery can affect development. Trauma may include fractures, nerve injuries, or brain damage.
- Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation may face developmental delays due to their underdeveloped organs and systems.
- Anesthesia errors: Mistakes or complications with anesthesia during delivery can affect a baby’s neurological development.
- Infections during pregnancy: Certain infections, like rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), or group B streptococcus (GBS), can impact a baby’s development if transmitted during pregnancy or delivery.
- Genetic conditions: Genetic disorders present at birth can lead to developmental delays, although these may be less directly related to the birth process itself.
- Inadequate prenatal care: Lack of proper prenatal care can lead to undiagnosed issues that impact development.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Infants born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms and developmental delays.
- Complications during delivery: Complications like umbilical cord occurrences or placental abruption can impact oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can affect the baby’s growth and development, such as issues with the placenta that impair nutrient delivery to the baby.
If you think your child’s developmental delays are due to medical negligence during the birth process, the law allows you to seek monetary recovery for damages caused by preventable errors. This can include compensation for medical costs, ongoing care expenses, and the emotional impact on your family.
Seeking Justice for Your Child’s Developmental Delays
At Davis & Davis, we understand how devastating it can be to discover your child’s developmental delays may have been caused by preventable medical errors during the birth process. You don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. With over 70 years of combined experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases, we are trial tested and proven to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the resources you need for your child’s future care.
Our legal team is here to guide you through the entire process with compassion and determination. We take pride in our history of successfully advocating for families like yours and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out to us for a no-cost consultation at (888) 522-9444, or visit our contact form to take the first step toward justice.
