As we progress further into 2016, doctors and lawyers alike are learning more about birth injuries and how these injuries can be reduced.
However, new studies show the prevalence of certain birth injuries has not decreased just yet; specifically, the prevalence of Cerebral Palsy. In 2015, there was no drop in CP prevalence.
Cerebral Palsy is a common disorder that affects motor deficiency and the brain. According to recent statistics, 1 in 323 children have been diagnosed with it.
There are three types of CP:
- Spastic cerebral palsy results in stiffness in the limbs.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy causes problems with depth-perception, balance and walking.
- Athetoid cerebral palsy includes involuntary and uncontrolled movements.
Cerebral Palsy is an injury to an infant’s brain before, during or after delivery.
As a birth injury attorney, many parents ask me what causes CP and if it can be avoided. My answer is yes; it can be avoided!
Injuries to the brain that can eventually lead to birth injury include:
- Oxygen deprivation
- Labor lasting longer than 18 hours
- Instrument related injuries (forceps or vacuum extraction)
- Maternal infection before the delivery
A doctor must provide a certain standard of care by making proper decisions, performing required procedures, and providing any follow-up care in a timely manner. Each of these injuries can be avoided with proper medical care!
How will you know if your child’s injury resulted in Cerebral Palsy?
If you suspect or know that your child suffered an injury at birth affecting the brain, it is very possible to result in Cerebral Palsy.
Most children are diagnosed at an average age of 18 months and may have symptoms including: limited or no ability to walk, epilepsy, stiff muscles, intellectual disability, and/or impaired vision.
Tests that can be done to determine if your child has CP are CT scans, MRIs, cranial ultrasounds, and blood tests. If you think your child is at high-risk for CP or has been confirmed with CP, call me immediately.
Not only can a doctor’s negligence result in this serious birth injury, but their negligence will forever change the life of your child and family. You and your loved ones should not have to fight this alone!
Make Them Pay
As your Cleveland, Ohio birth injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and will fight on your behalf. My clients deserve justice and I will do everything I can to Make Them Pay.