Cerebral Palsy is a Neurological Disorder Caused by Brain Damage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the average prevalence of cerebral palsy is 3.3 children per 1,000 live births. Cerebral palsy is often a result of a birth injury or abnormal development during or after pregnancy. It can be caused by infection, fetal or pediatric stroke, undiagnosed maternal health problems, premature birth, and asphyxia allowing brain damage to occur before, during, or after childbirth. It is the most common motor and movement disability of childhood and could cause serious, long-term injuries related to other conditions like Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy.
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, the most commonly diagnosed as spastic cerebral palsy (70% – 80% of cases). Each type differs in movement patterns, location and severity of issues, and should be evaluated alongside individual symptoms. Athetoid, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy can be diagnosed alternatively. Most children with cerebral palsy will have symptoms identified after birth or are diagnosed by 18 months old. However, in some cases, symptoms may only become visible as the child becomes fully developed.
Health care providers may be responsible for a cerebral palsy injury. And as soon as any questions or concerns arise, parents should push for a review of the diagnosis and request tests and medical observations to be made to determine the severity, type of cerebral palsy, and the best mode of legal intervention if negligence or a medical error is assumed.
Preventable Labor and Delivery Mistakes Contributing to Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy could be caused by a preventable mistake made during labor or delivery and other pregnancy complications. Most often cerebral palsy will cause serious, long-term injuries to a child. Medical errors that could have been prevented and may be considered malpractice include:
- Delays in a medically necessary intervention or delivery maneuver that deprived the fetus or baby of oxygen during birth
- Excessive use of forceps or a vacuum extractor
- Failure to order a Cesarean section
- Failure to monitor fetal development or maternal distress
- Inadequate treatment of maternal health conditions during pregnancy
Cerebral palsy can cause a range of disabilities, from mild to severe, and requires a proper diagnosis to ensure correct treatments and therapies are provided. If a medical mistake caused cerebral palsy, families can take legal action to receive the compensation necessary to cover the medical expenses and other damages.
Chicago, Illinois Birth Injury Law Firm
When a birth injury occurs because of a mistake, the physician should be responsible. The victim is entitled to compensation for any damages incurred, including medical costs, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and care. If your child was seriously hurt due to medical negligence during your pregnancy or at the time of childbirth, request a free consultation with a member of the experienced birth injury legal team at Levin & Perconti. Call 312-332-2872 or toll-free at 877-374-1417.
