Consequences of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are serious. If you think your child may be the victim of a birth injury, it’s important to track what your child’s symptoms are and to consult a doctor as quickly as possible. Some of the long-term consequences of a birth injury can be lessened the quicker that medical attention is brought to the child. In addition to the previously mentioned disorders, birth injuries may also lead to a myriad of additional medical issues, including:

• A long-term decrease in strength and stamina
• Decreased and/or lack of nerve sensations
• Cognitive impairment
• Emotional impairment
• Failure of bones to thrive and develop correctly
• Osteoarthritis and joint dysfunctions
• Emotional and psychological problems

Costs Associated with Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are often lifelong complications that require consistent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Depending upon the severity of the injuries, the financial costs associated with birth injuries can range from several thousands to over a million during the lifespan of a child with birth injuries.

For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifetime costs associated with a child who has cerebral palsy (CP) is around $1 million, whereas the costs associated with a child who suffers hearing loss after a birth injury typically ranges around $400,00, and the costs associated with vision impairments average a little over $500,000.

Although there are several avenues that help parents with high costs of children with disabilities, such as grants and other forms of government assistance, it’s important to remember that if your child’s birth injuries are a result of medical negligence and carelessness, the medical staff, hospital, and/or physician may be liable for damages. Furthermore, although helpful, most grants and government assistance programs are typically not enough to help cover the long-term, overwhelming expenses associated with birth injuries. 

Most birth injuries involve serious complications that can lead to permanent disabilities and disfigurement, especially if not treated immediately. Left untreated, birth injuries can develop into severe consequences that can also lead to your child developing a brain trauma or paralysis. Some symptoms of birth injuries can be caught while your baby is still in the hospital, whereas some signs of birth injuries aren’t seen until your child develops through growth stages or begins school. However, although some symptoms take a while surface, there are a few signs that can be detected immediately that may possibly point to birth injuries.