Cerebral palsy is an illness with permanent symptoms and with no known cure. It can lead to a wide range of health and developmental issues, such as an inability to control the head, a lack of motor control, poor posture, seizures, problems with vision and hearing, and malnutrition over the long run.
The affected individual may need ongoing medical treatment, long-term therapy, and rehabilitative care, which can be very expensive.
While some cases of cerebral palsy are naturally occurring, other times, the condition can be brought on by a doctor’s negligent act. When this occurs, the child’s family may be able to recover compensation in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Was your child in Greensboro diagnosed with cerebral palsy? If yes, give the Birth Injury Lawyers Group a call at (800) 222-9529 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We can discuss if your child’s condition may have been caused by medical malpractice, and what legal options you may have moving forward.
For a free legal consultation with Greensboro Cerebral Palsy lawyer, call 1-800-222-9529
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a blanket term used to describe a range of health issues that are caused by damage to or the abnormal development of the cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling movement.
Damage, injury, or abnormal development to the cerebral cortex can occur to an infant during development and childbirth due to the following causes:
Trauma or Physical Damage to the Brain
A large fetus can sustain brain damage if it does not easily pass through the birth canal, or if excessive force is applied by the delivery team.
Abnormal Brain Development
A number of issues that affect the normal growth of the brain can lead to abnormalities in the physical makeup of the brain, negatively affecting how the brain transmits signals. Abnormal brain development can be caused by infections or gene mutations.
Inadequate Oxygen Supply
Cerebral palsy can be caused by an inadequate oxygen supply to the infant if there are complications with the umbilical cord during delivery.
Medical Negligence
Medical negligence can occur in many different ways. If medical staff incorrectly use birthing devices, misdiagnose the mother, administer too much or too little of certain medications, or do not conduct tests that would have identified potential delivery issues that could then have been addressed, an emergency delivery may be required, increasing the chances of injury to the cerebral cortex.
Medical negligence can also occur if a doctor fails to identify or treat an infection in the mother that spreads to the fetus.
Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me 1-800-222-9529
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize the early warning signs of cerebral palsy, as they may be the first to recognize signs of the condition as the child grows.
Cerebral palsy presents in a number of ways and is different from person to person and from child to child. Mild cases may exhibit symptoms such as clumsiness or awkwardness, while severe cases may lead to more serious disabilities such as an inability to walk, talk, or get around independently.
Signs of cerebral palsy in an infant may include:
- Missing normal growth and development milestones such as sitting up, crawling, and walking
- Stiff or spastic muscles
- Abnormal or jerky movements, or excessive shaking of the body
- Difficulty controlling or coordinating muscle movement
- Speech problems
- Drooling more than normal
- Difficulty swallowing, eating, and drinking
As mentioned earlier, the brain damage of cerebral palsy can be permanent. Some symptoms may be irreversible.
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Compensation in a Cerebral Palsy Case
If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused or aggravated by medical negligence, administrative mistakes at the hospital, misdiagnosis, worker inexperience, or diagnostic errors, you may be entitled to compensation for damages.
The recoverable damages in a cerebral palsy medical malpractice case may include:
- Medical care, including surgeries, therapies, and medication
- The estimated costs of all future medical care
- Any assistive devices or modifications to your home your child may need
- Specialized caregivers or educators
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability if either parent is forced to stop working to care for the child
- Pain and suffering
- And more
A representative of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can discuss what compensation may be available in your case when you call us for a free consultation at (800) 222-9529.
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The Statute of Limitations in Your Case
If you are considering taking legal action for your child’s cerebral palsy, do not delay. A statute of limitations, or legal deadline, may apply to your family’s medical malpractice case.
This deadline varies from state-to-state. A member of our team can discuss what legal deadline applies to your case when you call us for a consultation.
A Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Lawyer May Be Able to Defend Your Rights
If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, a Greensboro cerebral palsy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to represent you. When you hire us, a member of our firm may be able to:
- Investigate your case
- Handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork on your behalf
- Identify the liable party
- Gather evidence of their liability, including medical expert testimony that malpractice occurred, if necessary
- Gather evidence to quantify that damages you have suffered
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement offer
- Take your case to trial if necessary
For a free consultation on your case, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis where you make no up-front payment for our services.
Call or text 1-800-222-9529
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