While cerebral palsy can occur naturally due to genetic mutations, premature birth, or other causes, it can also occur due to doctor negligence during prenatal care or delivery. There are multiple ways that a doctor can directly injure a baby, or fail to prevent an injury, that could make them liable for damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in Dallas, Texas, it may be worth investigating if medical malpractice played a role in your child’s condition. If so, the doctor or hospital who caused these injuries may be liable for your family’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
A Texas cerebral palsy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to manage your case. This would allow us to investigate your case, gather evidence in your defense, and pursue the liable party for compensation on your behalf.
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a free case evaluation. We may be able to handle your case on a contingency-fee basis.
How Medical Malpractice Can Cause Cerebral Palsy
When the Birth Injury Lawyers Group handles your case, a Frisco cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm can investigate the medical history of your pregnancy and delivery for signs of negligence.
Some of the common ways that doctor negligence to cause cerebral palsy to a newborn include:
- Failing to identify and treat an infection in the pregnant mother
- Failing to screen the mother for a complicated birth, and not choosing a C-section delivery as a safer alternative
- Allowing the baby’s oxygen supply to be cut off during delivery
- Applying excessive force to the baby during delivery, either manually of with birth assistance devices such as forceps or a vacuum extraction device
If you suspect that these or any other forms or doctor negligence caused or contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to discuss your case with a member of our team at (800) 222-9529. Consultation calls are free.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to define a set of illnesses that develop as a result of injury to—or the abnormal development of—the parts of the brain that are responsible for movement. Individuals who suffer from cerebral palsy may have issues with movement, balance, and posture, although a slew of other health issues can co-occur with the illness.
Parents may be the first to recognize signs of cerebral palsy in their child during the first few years of development. These signs may include:
- Difficulty lifting head or crawling
- Clenching one hand in a fist
- Being unable to stand or walk
- The baby’s muscles feel excessively stiff or floppy.
If you notice these symptoms or other signs of missed developmental benchmarks in your infant, you may want to have them evaluated by a doctor for cerebral palsy as soon as possible.
Frisco Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Near Me (800) 222-9529
Cerebral Palsy and Secondary Illnesses
Depending on what region of the brain is affected, and the severity of the injuries, an individual with cerebral palsy could face a wide range of symptoms over their lifetime.
One possible symptom of cerebral palsy is an inability to control the mouth or swallow. Over several years, especially between infancy and adolescence, this can prevent the child from getting the nutrients he or she needs to develop properly.
Cerebral palsy can also cause problems with vision and hearing. It may also co-occur with epilepsy and learning disabilities.
An inability to move can also lead to various complications. A lack of movement can lead to muscle atrophy, further weakness, and issues such as bed sores. Bone contractures or stunted limbs are not uncommon in cerebral palsy patients.
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Cerebral Palsy Treatments
There is no cure for cerebral palsy. Treatments for cerebral palsy vary based on the severity of symptoms and are used to help the patient gain independence and self-sufficiency. They may include:
- Surgery
- Injections of muscle relaxants
- Medications
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- The use of medical devices, such as wheelchairs
- And more
Because of its permanent nature, cerebral palsy treatments may be needed as long as the patient lives.
If a doctor’s negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy, they may be liable for the costs of these treatments, and more.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
How a Lawyer Can Help You
If your child was injured in any way by the actions or even the inaction of his or her delivery or care team, you may be able to file a negligence claim against the at-fault party or parties responsible for your child’s injuries.
You do not need to face settlement negotiations or a medical malpractice lawsuit alone. A Frisco cerebral palsy lawyer from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to manage your case while you concentrate on your child’s wellbeing.
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you by:
- Handling all communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case
- Investigating your child’s injuries
- Hiring a medical expert to testify that malpractice occurred in your case
- Calculating the value of all of your losses.
- Negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company for a settlement
- Taking your case to trial if they are not willing to make you a fair offer
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group Today
Do not delay if you are thinking of taking legal action for your child’s cerebral palsy injuries. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.251, Texas generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases. However, this deadline is extended for some minors, and you may have until your child’s 10th birthday to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for an injury sustained during childbirth.
To discuss what specific deadlines pertain to your case, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at (800) 222-9529.
A Frisco cerebral palsy lawyer from our firm may be able to take your case on a contingency-fee basis with no up-front payments required.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."