If your child is having serious problems learning how to crawl, walk, or talk, this may be categorized as developmental delay. Every child develops at his or her own pace; however, if your child is progressing much slower than other children, this may be a sign of a serious medical condition, including brain damage resulting from a
birth injury. The first several years play an important role in the development of a child. Early detection and treatment are critical to helping the child develop and live a better life.
There are many reasons why developmental delays may occur. Developmental delays may be caused from genetics or from the mother abusing alcohol or drugs while the infant was in the womb. Developmental delays may also occur from medical malpractice, including doctor or nurse negligence resulting in a birth injury. This birth injury may not have even been noticed at birth, but may become more apparent as the child grows and developmental delays occur.
A couple areas where negligence may play a role in developmental delay include birth injuries resulting from trauma or hypoxia. If a doctor is having a difficult time delivering a baby through the birth canal, he or she may need to twist the baby's head and neck to help with the delivery. If the doctor is not extremely careful, trauma can result in damage to the nerves running from the spine and proceeding through the neck and armpit region of the arm, resulting in a condition called Erbs palsy, which leads to partial paralysis of the baby.
Another type of paralysis can occur from lack of oxygen to the brain. Cerebral palsy can occur which may be mild to severe. As the child ages, the signs of cerebral palsy will become more apparent and developmental delays will occur. If the doctor failed to detect a prolapsed umbilical cord, failed to perform a cesarean section if necessary, improperly used a vacuum or forceps during an instrumental delivery, or failed to diagnose and treat meningitis in a timely matter, these types of medical negligence can lead to cerebral palsy and a potential lifetime of development delays, including permanent paralysis.
If the developmental delays are severe, this may require long term or permanent medical care for the child, including operations, medicine, physical therapy, even a full time caregiver. If you believe your child received a birth injury or was the victim of medical malpractice after birth, you may have a case for medical negligence or medical malpractice. You should consult with a professional medical malpractice attorney who specializes in birth injuries and developmental delays.