Families in Pembroke Pines, Florida may be unsure where to turn for help if they find out their child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). CP affects many children born every day around the country, and may be a result of medical malpractice.
If you believe your child’s condition was caused by physician negligence, you may wish to contact a Pembroke Pines cerebral palsy lawyer for help. Contact the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a free initial consultation regarding your case by calling (800) 222-9529.
Understanding the Definition of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy does not refer to one condition. Instead, this term is used to describe several medical conditions; all disorders that share some common traits such as effects on a person’s posture, movement, or muscle tone. There are four types of cerebral palsy:
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic CP may cause issues with a person’s coordination or balance. Ataxic CP may impact fine motor control and quick movements, and additionally this condition may cause unsteadiness when walking.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
There are several different types of dyskinetic CP, including athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic. The muscle tone of individuals with dyskinetic CP may change quickly, sometimes within a single day, making it difficult to control their movements.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of the disorder, as it makes up 80 percent of all cases of CP. Children with spastic CP deal with increased muscle tone, which may cause stiff muscles and awkward movements.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
In some cases, individuals have symptoms of multiple forms of CP. This results in mixed CP.
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The Possible Role of Medical Malpractice in Cerebral Palsy Cases
CP is often considered a congenital disorder, something present from the time someone is born. Sometimes they even appear before birth, and CP may have a number of different causes such as infections, substance abuse during pregnancy, and prematurity. Sometimes this condition may also be caused by complications of labor and delivery, sometimes due to the negligent actions of healthcare professionals during the birth process.
If a healthcare professional failed to uphold their duty of care to you or your child, you may have experienced medical malpractice. Sometimes, medical workers may make decisions leading to brain damage and CP. For example, they may:
- Incorrectly monitor fetal vital signs during childbirth
- Misuse birthing tools
- Wait too long to perform procedures
- Make mistakes due to incompetence
Sometimes doctors may not order an emergency cesarean section in time, resulting in the fetus receiving a limited oxygen supply or no oxygen at all. This lack of oxygen may lead to CP disorders. You should also be aware that sometimes CP is a result of acts of medical malpractice after a child’s birth, for example poor postnatal treatment could lead to infections or head injuries.
Head injuries and infections such as rubella may cause a form of CP. These cases are called “acquired” CP and may have the same symptoms as congenital CP. If you believe a healthcare professional’s actions led to your child being diagnosed with CP, you may reach out for help today. Contact a Pembroke Pines cerebral palsy lawyer with the Birth Injury Lawyers Group by calling (800) 222-9529.
Pembroke Pines Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Child Has CP
It may take months or years to get a diagnosis for CP, as doctors may have a hard time identifying the symptoms of CP in some cases. However, your child may be diagnosed with a form of CP if they have:
- Very stiff muscles and normal reflexes
- Very stiff muscles and heightened reflexes
- Slow or involuntary movements
- Difficulty walking, eating, or performing fine motor skills
Note that these are only examples of the symptoms of CP. If your child displays any of these symptoms, you may wish to speak with a pediatrician. They may be able to perform medical assessments to determine whether or not your child has CP. Once you have a proper diagnosis, you may be able to take steps to get compensation you may be entitled to for your child’s medical care and other losses.
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Handle Medical Malpractice Claims in Pembroke Pines
Medical malpractice claims in Pembroke Pines may require you to demonstrate that a medical professional:
- Had a duty of care to your child.
- That they violated that duty of care.
- That this violation directly resulted in your child’s ailment or injuries.
In cases involving CP, this may necessitate showing that a medical professional may have directly taken or failed to take an action, and as a result caused damage to your child during the birth process. In some cases, a lawyer may work to show that the medical malpractice occurred after the birth of your child. In order to build your claim, your lawyer may need to access medical records for:
- Your pregnancy checkups
- Your labor
- Your delivery
- Your post-natal care
A Pembroke Pines cerebral palsy lawyer may be able to work with medical experts who understand the causes of CP. These experts may be able to bolster your case, showing that the actions of a medical professional led to your child’s diagnosis with CP.
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Compensation for Medical Malpractice in Pembroke Pines
Working with a lawyer may allow you to get compensation you may be entitled to for the medical expenses faced by your child. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate with insurance agents representing the doctor who delivered your child. In many cases doctors prefer to settle medical malpractice cases out of court, allowing you to get a settlement to cover:
- Medical treatment
- Healthcare therapies
- Medications and more
However, you should be aware that insurance agents may sometimes deny you a fair settlement. In this situation, a lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit against the medical professional who failed to uphold their duty of care.
Speak to a Pembroke Pines Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Handling a diagnosis of CP on your own may be challenging. You may reach out to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to get help in this situation by calling (800) 222-9529 to get in touch with a member of our team. You can also fill out our online contact form for a free consultation regarding your options.
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