The signs of birth injuries vary widely, depending on the type of injury. Some signs will become apparent soon after birth. Examples of such signs include: -Need for resuscitation -Breathing issues, such as rapid or slow breathing -Low heart rate -Muscle weakness or stiffness -Nonresponsiveness to stimuli Other signs won’t appear until much later, usually when the child misses developmental milestones. For example, a child may experience problems with: -Learning -Body control, motor skills, and coordination -Vision, hearing, or speech Keep in mind that many of these signs may indicate conditions not related to medical malpractice. So it’s important to make sure any symptoms are properly evaluated by a doctor. If you suspect a medical mistake caused a birth injury, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. See Chapter 1: Introduction — Possible signs of a birth injury for more information about signs of birth injuries.