Being a parent is always challenging, but having a child with cerebral palsy can be heartbreaking. Sometimes the condition is the result of medical malpractice; therefore, finding a good Alabama cerebral palsy attorney may be a good move for residents of that state. Cerebral palsy is the name given to a variety of conditions that affect the brain, bones and muscles, resulting in difficulty with motor skills. It is sometimes, but not always, the result of injuries sustained during delivery.
The condition does not worsen over time, but children with cerebral palsy can have difficulty speaking, eating and performing simple tasks. Sadly, there is also a greater chance that a child will be mentally impaired if he or she is born with cerebral palsy. For this reason, parents in Alabama and other states who believe that malpractice may have been a factor during delivery may wish to seek out a cerebral palsy lawyer to pursue compensation.
There are three primary types of cerebral palsy, although many children suffer from more than one type – spastic cerebral palsy, athetoid (also called "dyskinetic") cerebral palsy and ataxic cerebral palsy. 30 percent of children with cerebral palsy suffer from spastic cerebral palsy in combination with one of the other primary types, and there are rarer variations of cerebral palsy that affect a small number of children. The condition causes a miscommunication between the brain and the body, with impulses being sent to the wrong muscles for even simple tasks, so cerebral palsy sufferers have difficulty walking and speaking, which leads to frustration and difficulties with communication and coordination. The condition isn't communicable – a child can't pass it on to another child – and while it's incurable, it doesn't always result in a handicap so severe that the child can't grow up to lead a happy, fulfilled life.
There are a number of reasons that a child may be born with the disorder. With many children, it's caused by a congenital malformation of the brain, and is something that could not have been avoided. But with other children, cerebral palsy is the result of brain damage that occurs during or after birth, which usually is usually attributed to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Because this can occur due to medical malpractice, seeking the advice of an Alabama cerebral palsy attorney is a step that many parents take after their child's diagnosis.
The disorder, whatever form it takes, is a life-long condition that takes patience, love and the work of skilled professionals to treat. Your Alabama cerebral palsy lawyer can give you all of your legal options as caregiver, and if you suspect that medical malpractice was the cause then the attorney can work to get your family compensation that can assist in paying the expenses involved in the child's long-term care. The stress of caring for an ill child takes its toll on many families, and the additional financial burden can be overwhelming, so talking to an attorney is vital. The truth is, there are many mistakes that can lead to trauma during childbirth. Some studies show that about 25 of every 1,000 births suffer some sort of injury at birth, most of them minor. But some of them are serious and can lead to the need for permanent, full-time care for the rest of the child's life.
Parents whose children's cerebral palsy is the result of a mistake by medical personnel may have difficulty proving negligence, which is why speaking to an Alabama attorney who understands cerebral palsy is important. Hospitals and other medical establishments have expert legal advice on their side, so hiring a lawyer who has expertise in this area is crucial. Your cerebral palsy lawyer can put together a strong case for compensation, requesting files, evidence and medical records needed to prove negligence. When you visit a knowledgeable cerebral palsy attorney, he or she will be able to tell you whether you have a strong case and if you have a good chance of getting compensation. Having a sick child is a tragedy, but with a qualified Alabama cerebral palsy attorney on your side, some of the financial burden may be lifted.
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What Are The Different Types Of Cerebral Palsy?
What Is The Prognosis For The Child With Cerebral Palsy?
How Aggressive Should Treatment Be Given A Sick Newborn?
What Medical Problems Are Associated With Cerebral Palsy?