Kids with developmental delays can be caused by genes or the environment, but medical negligence can lead to wrong diagnoses, late treatment, or mistakes during birth and early childhood care.
According to developmental delay lawyer Audrey M. Tolson, a child’s delayed development may be caused by a variety of birth injuries, especially brain injuries. As an example, a medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania that involved a delayed birth that caused the infant to suffer severe, permanent brain damage resulted in a $19.5 million settlement.
There are ways to guarantee you can get the care and compensation you need. In such cases, you must learn the ways how to take legal action against the party at fault for your child’s medical condition. Let’s find out below!
Understanding Developmental Delays: Common Signs and Symptoms
Developmental delays mean your child is not walking, talking or recognizing things by the time they should be. It also happens when your child is having trouble making friends. Other times, they may get easily shy or show clear annoyance and frustration in following instructions that should not be difficult for their age.
Some behaviors that could indicate developmental delays are having tantrums or getting easily angered about simple things. They would also have trouble with basic things like feeding and dressing themselves.
Some delays may only be temporary or mild, while others may be caused by underlying medical conditions, genetic factors, or medical mistakes that could be used as evidence in a malpractice case.
What is important is to detect them as soon as possible. Getting them evaluated professionally can make a substantial impact on a child’s development.
The Role of Medical Professionals in Childhood Development
Medical professionals have the duty to understand how kids grow and change. With their assistance, they can help you find resources appropriate for every stage of your child’s development. There are pediatricians and other specialists that can help you with this.
Parents can talk to these specialists about their concerns with their child’s development. When you share your concerns with them, trust is built. And everytime problems are resolved together, relationships strengthen.
This is an important aspect of child rearing. Having support is beneficial to ensure that children grow well.
Identifying Medical Negligence: Key Indicators for Parents
Having faith in medical providers to deliver quality care in a safe environment is second nature for a lot of parents. Being observant can tell you exactly what the red signs are.
Take note of the way they address you. Is their attention captured? Would they be open to answering your questions? Notice if they rush you or disregard your worry. Be wary of the methods they use to monitor your child’s development.
Your doctor will be counting on you to keep up with routine screenings and tests. It is suspicious if your provider refused to address your concerns.
If you encounter this, it is best to get a second opinion to pacify or prove your worry. Referrals or follow-ups that ought to have occurred sooner should be carefully monitored.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnoses on Child Development
Children who are diagnosed too late may have problems with their speech, motor skills, or social skills. During the delay phase, both you and the child are alone.
It is important that your child gets diagnosed early to have the chance to rectify this problem. You can help your child learn how to solve problems early on. This is a good way for them to develop skills that they can use as they grow. Part of being a parent is respecting the rights of your child while also defending them from external harm.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Negligence
You must detect early on if there is a developmental delay in your child. Once you realize that this is caused by bad medical care, you need to act immediately.
You need a record of your child’s symptoms. And perhaps, getting a second opinion could be more helpful to give you a better understanding of your child’s condition.
There are support groups and forums for parents who have been through the same thing where you can seek help and find support. Legally, you have to talk to a lawyer if nothing else works to get a better idea of your rights and options. The child’s well-being should come first, and you should get help with this because you can’t do it on your own.
