Cerebral Palsy (CP), the result of permanent brain damage, is characterized by lack of muscle control and abnormal body movement. The damage that leads to CP can occur before, during or soon after birth. Cerebral Palsy can be caused by birth injury as a result of medical negligence during the birth process. Damage occurs to parts of the cerebrum, which controls movement, cognitive function and speech.
Often this damage is caused by too much time spent in the birth canal. This can result from medical staff improperly interpreting the electronic fetal monitoring device or not reacting correctly or quickly. Other negligence on the part of the medical team can cause birth injury resulting in CP.
The cost of caring for a child who suffers from Cerebral Palsy can be financially overwhelming. Continuous expenses include hospitalization, doctor visits and prescriptions, as well as home and car modifications, special education and loss of income if a parent must leave work to care for the child. If medical malpractice was the cause of a child’s cerebral palsy, parents should not be responsible for the cost of lifelong assistance and medical services. Compensation through a medical malpractice suit will not reverse the damage that has already been done to a child with Cerebral Palsy, but it will help pay for his/her expensive life-long care.
SIGNS THAT CEREBRAL PALSY OCCURRED
Cerebral Palsy may have occurred if complications during the birth required the use of vacuum extraction, forceps or cesarean section. Another sign that something may have gone wrong is the need for CPR, meaning the baby had a lack of oxygen, which causes Cerebral Palsy. If a child has seizures immediately after birth or within the first three or four days of life, that may be reason to suspect Cerebral Palsy.
Eighty percent of CP diagnoses take place in the first month of an infant’s life. At-risk infants, such as premature babies and multiples, should be monitored closely by nurses and obstetricians. As time passes, if the child has difficulty sitting, crawling or learning to walk at the appropriate age, or if certain infant reflexes persist, doctors will suspect CP.
If the CP is not congenital (present at birth), then it may have been the result of negligent behavior on the part of the medical team. An early diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy is best, so the circumstances surrounding the birth can immediately be investigated for signs of medial malpractice.
If your baby suffers from cerebral palsy due to a birth injury, please contact our office and speak with a member of the firm. The applicable statute of limitations is likely already running, so timing can be critically important to your case. Contact us today for a free, no obligation, confidential legal consultation.
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Raynes Erickson, Attorneys at Law focuses its practice on the legal representation of clients who are victims of medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, or wrongful death. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and how our litigation team can help you receive the compensation you deserve.