Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice

Cerebral palsy is a debilitating, non-progressive neurological condition that impairs thought, speech, movement and/or coordination. While cerebral palsy may be caused by genetic factors, in some cases, healthcare professionals make mistakes before, during or after birth that can cause babies to develop cerebral palsy.

When medical malpractice causes a cerebral palsy birth injury, infants and their families will be entitled to a settlement or court award to help them pay for the life-long treatments their child will need to maximize their quality of life.

Parents of children with cerebral palsy can find out if they have a case by speaking with one of our affiliated cerebral palsy lawyers. Call today (866) 251-0808 for compassionate, committed help.

Types of Medical Mistakes that Cause CP

Medical malpractice that can contribute to a case of cerebral palsy includes failing to detect and properly treat:

• an infant's lack of oxygen
• changes in fetal heart rate
• exposure to toxins (such as lead or mercury)
• newborn meningitis and/or jaundice
• maternal infections (including syphilis, measles or chicken pox)
• maternal signs of distress (such as high blood pressure, blood poisoning or elevated heart rates)
• prolapsed cord (a condition in which the umbilical cord wraps around a baby's neck and cuts off his air supply)
• seizures (in either the pregnant mother or the newborn)

CP-related malpractice may also include:

• delayed C-sections (when it's clear that vaginal birth will be complicated and a C-section is necessary)
• excessive use of vacuum extraction
• improper use of forceps

Any of these medical mistakes can cause a baby to suffer brain damage and ultimately develop cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, the symptoms of cerebral palsy typically won't arise until an infant is around 3 years old (as newborn development is necessary to highlight impairments in comprehension, speech and movement).

When Medical Mistakes Occur

Medical malpractice is most likely to take place when other labor or delivery complications, such as the following, occur:

• breech birth (babies are delivered feet first, rather than head first)
• low birth weight (less than 3.3 pounds)
• multiple births
• premature birth (birth before 32 weeks of pregnancy)

What to do Following a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

Obviously, the most important thing to do after discovering your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy is to seek out medical resources that can help your child's condition. The more information you know about the condition, the better you will be able to take care of your child.

Once you have received proper medical treatment and guidance, the next step is to find an experienced affiliated birth injury lawyer who will investigate the details of your case to determine the exact cause of injury. Once the cause of injury is determined, he/she will be able to fight aggressively to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable for their medical mistakes.

Recover Lifetime Benefits for Your Child

At Litigators Incorporated, P.C., our affiliated cerebral palsy lawyers are dedicated to fighting on behalf of children and families affected by medical mistakes. These lawyers have a proven track record of success in securing lifetime benefits for children with cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.

They understand the hardships that accompany, not only the physical, but the emotional and financial damages incurred, and will work tirelessly to help you recover a monetary settlement or court award for losses including:

• hospital bills
• ongoing treatment costs
• permanent disabilities
• future living expenses
• emotional pain and suffering
• inability to pursue a normal course of employment
• inability to engage in every day activities

Contact Litigators Incorporated, P.C. Today

If your child was born with cerebral palsy or another birth injury, you will likely be entitled to compensation for your losses. To determine whether you have a claim, contact our affiliated lawyers today. Call toll free (866) 251-0808.