Newborn brain injury requires a neonatal timeline

Focus on the newborn's condition at birth, resuscitation, oxygenation, laboratory data, neurologic examinations, imaging, seizures if documented, NICU course, and later development. The presence of brain injury alone does not identify when or why it occurred.

Records to organize

  • Delivery and resuscitation records
  • Apgar and newborn examination documentation
  • Cord or neonatal blood-gas results when obtained
  • NICU flowsheets and medication records
  • EEG, MRI, ultrasound, or other neurologic testing
  • Developmental and therapy records

Causation questions

  • What evidence addresses timing of the injury?
  • Were prenatal or genetic factors considered?
  • What delivery or newborn-care decision is challenged?
  • What later impairments are medically linked to the event?

Reliable starting sources

Use original medical records and current legal sources. This site cannot decide whether malpractice occurred or calculate a filing deadline.

HHS: Accessing health informationFederal information about access to health records. MedlinePlusNational Library of Medicine reference for medical terminology and conditions. Official sources directoryStarting points for medical records, licensing, state law, and legal-help research.