Cerebral palsy is a condition where the brain develops abnormally or is otherwise damaged. This makes it difficult or impossible for a child to use their muscles properly. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is the most common motor disability in childhood. About 1 in 345 American children have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
This disability can be caused by a number of different factors, including birth injury. The medical costs associated with the condition alone are ten times higher than for children without. If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by birth injury, there may be help available.
What Can Cause Cerebral Palsy?
The CDC defines two broad causes: congenital, where the brain damage happens before or during birth, and acquired, which happens more than 28 days after birth. Congenital cerebral palsy is by far the most common type.
Congenital cerebral palsy can be caused by conditions like premature or multiple birth, low birthweight, infections during the pregnancy, infertility treatment and the mother’s medical conditions. It can also be caused by a birth injury, sometimes due to medical malpractice.
Acquired cerebral palsy is caused by injury, such as traumatic head injuries from accidents or abuse. Infections like meningitis and encephalitis can cause the condition, as well as any time there are issues with blood flow to the brain.
When is Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Malpractice?
At one time, physicians thought that lack of oxygen during birth was what caused cerebral palsy. However, that accounts for less than 10 percent of cases. Today, we know there are a number of different factors at play, including potential medical malpractice.
Once you have determined what kind of birth injury has occurred, you can discuss your case with a birth injury and medical malpractice attorney. While some birth injuries are unavoidable, medical malpractice can always be prevented.
A doctor or nurse commits malpractice when they fail to fulfill their duty of care to the patient, resulting in injury, death, or disability. This could occur if they fail to notice changes in fetal heart rate, improper use of delivery tools (such as forceps or a vacuum), failure to perform a necessary c-section, failure to detect a prolapsed umbilical cord, or infections that lead to cerebral palsy.
If you believe your infant was injured at birth due to medical malpractice, it’s important you speak to an attorney right away.
Contact Me for Assistance with Your Birth Injury Lawsuit
Determining liability for a birth injury can be complicated, but I can help. Do not hesitate to get in touch with me to learn more about your options for filing a birth injury claim. When it comes to negligent healthcare providers, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at 877.944.4373 today for more information.
