Early Signs Of Birth Injuries Parents Need To Know

Even if you do not have a legal background, you are probably aware that the laws of all US states impose time restrictions on personal injury lawsuits. While Florida has a four-year deadline for most accident cases, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is much shorter. A patient has just two years to initiate litigation, starting from the date of the incident that caused harm. You might gain additional time under the “discovery” rule, which allows up to four years from the time you knew or should have known about the incident giving rise to the harm.

However, yet another statute of limitations applies in Florida birth injuries cases: The four-year discovery rule does not bar actions involving minors, so parents have until the child’s 8th birthday to seek legal remedies in court. The additional time might seem like a bonus if you have concerns about harm to your infant, but there are challenges. While you can trust your Miami birth injuries, lawyer  to advise you of your rights, recognizing the signs a birth related injury is a crucial first step in the litigation process.

Spot the Early Signs of Birth Injuries

Someone who can express themselves can tell you the pain or discomfort they are experiencing. However, Infants clearly cannot communicate in words, especially if their medical condition also involves mental and cognitive issues. As such, you should realize other ways your baby is communicating birth injuries to you.

At Birth: There may be the cause of concern if you observe the following:

• Your child’s back arches or contorts when crying
• Seizures
• Muscle stiffness
• Weak or lacking reflex responses
• Your baby drools excessively or has trouble nursing

Up to 24 Months Old: Birth injuries may take time to manifest, making it difficult to recognize the signs of a birth injury. One important factor is the typical milestones in a child’s life, such as cooing, turning over, talking, and crawling. Motor skills may also be affected by birth injuries. Thus, a baby may exhibit muscle twitches, spasms, and a lack of coordination.

After 2 Years Old: If your baby was not already diagnosed with a birth injury, the signs may even become obvious until after the 2-year mark. At this point, the most evident signs involve intellectual disabilities. Your toddler may not be able to eat, dress, or walk. Many children this age can draw basic shapes, understand full sentences, and speak in phrases.

What to do if You Suspect Birth Injuries

Getting a diagnosis and proper medical care is a priority. Plus, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your claim right away, even though you have eight years under the statute of limitations. Quick action ensures you preserve any right for the compensation you may have to support your child’s health needs.

Our Florida Birth Injuries Attorneys Will Advise You on Next Steps

Parents are in the best position to recognize when something is not quite right with their baby, but an experienced lawyer is who you should rely on for legal help with a birth injury case. For more information, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers, FL.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html