Cerebral palsy is a serious health problem that will have a lifelong impact on the child and its family. The condition is a medical term for a number of neurological disorders that effect muscle coordination and the child's ability to move the body. And while there are a number of factors that can cause cerebral palsy, one of the factors can be medical malpractice.
When an infant can't get sufficient oxygen to the brain during labor or birth, the motor control centers of the brain can be damaged. This affects the child's ability to speak, breathe, move and more. Learning disabilities and epilepsy can be found in about one-third of CP cases. CP is often found in children from multiple births or children who have been born prematurely.
Of course, just because a child has cerebral palsy doesn't mean the medical professionals made a mistake that would be classified as malpractice. But when medical practitioners make a mistake, it is usually one of the following:
- Failure to monitor fetal heart rate during labor and birth
- Failure to treat or detect infections (such as meningitis) in the mother during the pregnancy
- Failure to detect a prolapsed umbilical cord (when the cord exits the uterus before the fetus)
- Failure to schedule and perform a cesarean section when the baby is too large to safely pass through the birth canal
- Delay in performing a medically necessary cesarean section
- Negligence in using instruments like forceps and vacuums to perform the delivery
People with cerebral palsy require therapy and special care throughout their lives, depending on the severity of the disorder. Cerebral palsy can be financially and emotionally draining on both the child and the families or caregivers.
These lawsuits can be very complex, both from a legal and medical standpoint. You want to make sure your personal injury attorney can help you prove who is liable for your child's injury. We offer a free consultation to all clients, and we don't get paid unless you win your case. Contact us by email, or call 816-842-7100 to schedule your appointment today.
