You may find yourself having to adjust to an uncertain future if your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brandon, FL. Ongoing treatments, therapies, and modifications to your home can be a significant financial burden.
If you believe that a doctor’s negligence caused or contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, they may be liable for your damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. A Brandon, Florida cerebral palsy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Call us at (800) 222-9529 to learn more in a free consultation. The Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee basis with no advanced payment necessary.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
The medical community considers cerebral palsy to be a group of conditions. These conditions all have similar effects on the human body. They may cause muscles to be too tense, preventing movement. They may also cause muscle spasms and issues with fine motor skills. Additionally, cerebral palsy may lead to:
- Seizures or tremors
- Lack of balance
- Difficulties eating or walking
- Delays in the development of speech
- Learning difficulties
Depending on the symptom and severity of an individual’s cerebral palsy, they may require surgery, pain medication, a variety of therapies, or the use of assistive devices.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy
Parents may be the first to recognize signs of cerebral palsy in their infants. If you have noticed any difficulties in your child’s ability to crawl, stand, or move and control their body, this could be a sign of cerebral palsy. Stiff or loose muscles can also be an indication of this condition. Notify a doctor immediately if you suspect your child is showing cerebral palsy symptoms.
If your infant receives a cerebral palsy diagnosis, you may want to consider if medical malpractice during prenatal care or delivery caused this condition.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Connecting Medical Malpractice and Cerebral Palsy
There are numerous possible causes of cerebral palsy. Sometimes, this condition is a result of a gene mutation, a premature birth, or a medical condition that cannot be prevented. However, this is not always the case. Cerebral palsy can also develop as a result of incorrect actions taken by medical professionals. In this situation, your family may be impacted by an act of medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice can occur anytime a healthcare provider fails to live up to the standard of care accepted by medical professionals. Hospitals, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals may all engage in medical malpractice. Examples of acts of medical malpractice that may lead to cerebral palsy include:
Failure to Monitor Infant Vital Signs
Childbirth can be incredibly difficult for both the mother and the infant. During the entirety of this process, medical professionals should monitor the vital signs of the infant. At any signs of distress, healthcare professionals must be ready to take action to correct the issue. Failure to watch these signs may allow a birth injury to occur.
Failure to Order a C-Section
Some complex deliveries may require an alternative birthing method. Depending upon the severity of the distress, a doctor may need to order an emergency C-section to safely deliver a child. Failure to order a C-section in time could deprive the child of oxygen, which may result in cerebral palsy.
Failure to Properly Use Delivery Tools
Medical professionals may use forceps or vacuums to assist with delivery. These tools must be used correctly and carefully. Misuse of medical instruments or excessive force could result in injuries to the child and the development of cerebral palsy.
If you believe medical malpractice occurred during your delivery for any reason, and that it may have caused your child’s cerebral palsy, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a free consultation at (800) 222-9529.
Brandon Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Legal Options After a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
If you are considering legal action after a cerebral palsy diagnosis, it is important that you move quickly. The state of Florida has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases. Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you may have just two years from the discovery of the malpractice to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
A Brandon cerebral palsy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may able to manage your case. This could allow us to investigate your case, gather evidence in your defense, and work with medical professionals to focus on the likely causes of your child’s cerebral palsy development.
If we believe that your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, we may be able to help you:
- Apply for a NICA claim
- File a civil lawsuit
NICA claims are available through the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Plan. These claims may allow you to get compensation for some medical expenses associated with a cerebral palsy diagnosis. However, they may offer limited compensation that may not be right for everyone.
Your lawyer may instead advise you to file a civil lawsuit in court against the healthcare professional who engaged in medical malpractice. This may allow you to get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages at work, pain and suffering, and more.
If you choose this route, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can represent you in settlement negotiations and take your case to trial, if necessary. We can also handle all communications, legal deadlines, and paperwork in your case.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group Today
If you are ready to take legal action for a birth injury caused by medical malpractice, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can assist you. A Brandon cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm may be able to manage your case while you focus on your child’s wellbeing.
For a free case review, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."