Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a serious physiological condition that is caused by some form of brain injury. It often occurs before, during, or soon after a child is born, while the brain is still under development.
The impact of a brain injury on motor function and intellectual ability depends on the type, location, and severity of injuries sustained. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, medical errors or mistakes by your child’s delivery team may have caused or contributed to your child’s condition.
Contact a Dallas cerebral palsy lawyer at (800) 222-9529 today for a free case evaluation from a team member at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. We provide services on a no-win, no-fee basis with no upfront cost to you.
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Causes and Presentation of Cerebral Palsy
The exact cause of many cases of cerebral palsy is unknown. What we do know, however, is that it involves some form of brain injury or brain damage that mostly arises while the brain is still developing. It can affect muscle control and coordination, as well as muscle tone, reflexes, posture, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and even the ability to see properly and communicate.
Every case of cerebral palsy is unique, and every individual suffers it in his or her own way. Brain damage leading to cerebral palsy may be a result of:
- Abnormal cell development before birth: This can happen because of genetic or environmental factors that disturb the development of the brain.
- Poor insulation around developing nerve fibers: According to research published in Science, this can impede brain function and cause cerebral palsy since the insulation around nerve fibers help in the transmission of electrical impulses in the brain.
- Brain cell death: Birth events such as trauma or complications involving the umbilical cord or placenta can lead to ruptured blood vessels or oxygen deprivation in the baby.
- Damaged brain connections as a result of trauma, infection, or strangulation can also lead to cerebral palsy.
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The Benefits of an Accurate Diagnosis
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the big question on your mind will likely be, “how did this happen?” The problem is that this question can be hard to answer definitively. However, it is helpful to investigate the events and treatments surrounding your child’s birth to get a better understanding of why cerebral palsy may have developed. This may also allow you to determine if you can pursue legal action based on the child’s diagnosis.
An investigation usually a radiologist or a neurologist who conducts an MRI or CT scan. Those results are combined with your child’s medical history, lab tests, and other health, growth, and developmental findings.
This data can be used to either confirm or rule out cerebral palsy. If brain damage or a brain malformation of some sort is confirmed, the focus will turn to determining the extent and location of damage and impairment. Only then can treatment, therapy, and care be properly administered.
Some of the benefits of determining how, when, and where the injuries that caused your child’s cerebral palsy is that you can have some closure and peace of mind, and doctors can better treat the illness. Also, school administration personnel can screen and process your child for early intervention plans and support.
Additionally, a Dallas cerebral palsy lawyer can provide the legal advice you need. This is possible because you may learn whether or not any negligent parties caused your child’s injuries, in which case they should be held accountable for the damages that arise from those injuries.
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Complications Related to Living With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy affects many different facets of the affected individual’s life. The condition itself is permanent but does not progress because brain damage does not worsen with time. However, many different complications can arise as a direct result of your child’s illness. These include:
- Muscle weakness, spasticity, and coordination problems.
- Contractures, which can affect bone growth, cause bones to curve and bend, and can result in joint deformities or dislocations.
- Premature aging because of the excessive strain that cerebral palsy puts on the body.
- Difficulties with swallowing and feeding can lead to malnutrition, which can lead to weak bones and impaired growth.
- Mental issues such as depression as a result of social isolation or rejection.
- Respiratory issues and breathing disorders.
- Degenerative bone disease.
- Low bone density, or osteopenia, which can lead to frequent fractures.
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The Role of Negligence in Cerebral Palsy
If your child’s care team made errors while treating your child, caused your child’s physical injuries, failed to properly diagnose or treat preexisting conditions, or did not properly read test results or address a preventable issue, they may be held liable for medical malpractice. Doctor distraction, inexperience, and lack of training can also be classified as negligent behavior. If your child sustains injuries or illness as a result of this behavior, the doctors or care team in question can be held responsible.
Speak to a Lawyer About Your Child’s CP Case
If your child has any of the symptoms of cerebral palsy outlined above or suffered a birth injury of any type, you should speak to our Dallas cerebral palsy lawyer team. You should not have to pay for treatments that are the result of a negligent caregiver. Contact the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529 for help with:
- Identifying at-fault parties who may be liable for damages.
- Ascertaining the value of your claim.
- Helping you meet all administrative and legal deadlines.
- Ensuring that you file a claim on time, within the defined statutes of limitation, with the right courts.
Time is of the essence, so call us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options.
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