Like other types of cerebral palsy, choreoathetoid cerebral palsy can occur because of a medical error, medical neglect, or a preventable birth injury. If your child has a choreoathetoid cerebral palsy diagnosis, you may be able to pursue damages to help pay for their medical care, mobility needs, pain and suffering, and more.
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at 1-800-222-9529 now to connect with an attorney in your state. Your attorney will review your case for free and can file a medical malpractice claim at no out-of-pocket cost to your family.
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Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
In choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, the child struggles to control purposeful movements. When they try to move, their body instead gives them involuntary movements that may be jerky or writhing. Depending on the severity, they may require ongoing care and support for the rest of their lives.
If a doctor failed to provide an acceptable standard of care for your child, this constitutes medical negligence. You may be able to pursue a medical malpractice case against them. When it comes to choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, this could have occurred when:
- The doctor failed to take action when the mother or baby suffered an infection or other distress during pregnancy
- The doctor failed to monitor the mother and baby adequately before, during, and after delivery
- The doctor caused the baby to suffer a traumatic brain injury, often because of the improper use of forceps or a vacuum extraction device
Your attorney will explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the deadlines that apply in your state, and the steps necessary to prove your child was the victim of medical malpractice.
If you can prove the doctor’s negligence caused your child to suffer a preventable brain injury, you can likely hold the doctor liable. In some cases, a pervasive attitude at the hospital that allowed the neglect to take place may mean the hospital is liable, as well.
Damages recoverable in a choreoathetoid cerebral palsy birth injury case may include:
- Related medical care costs
- Therapy, medication, necessary mobility devices, and other assistive devices
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your child’s birth injury
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other noneconomic damages
In most cerebral palsy lawsuits, families are seeking some or more of the compensatory damages listed above, but the possible compensations go beyond this list. For this reason, it is best to talk to a specialized attorney to help them understand how your baby’s palsy affected every aspect of your life. For example, depending on your situation, your lawyer could seek compensation for parents who had to leave their jobs and take care of the child. The more evidence you provide and the deeper the investigation into your case goes, the better chances you have to a significant settlement or court verdict.
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Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Types
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is a type of dyskinetic cerebral palsy, meaning uncontrolled and involuntary movements characterize it. It is sometimes called “athetoid cerebral palsy.”
Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Causes
Like all other forms of cerebral palsy, choreoathetoid cerebral palsy occurs because of damage to certain areas of the brain that control movement and coordination. In choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, the damage typically occurs in the basal ganglia. Some possible causes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries before or during birth
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum-assisted birth devices
- Skull fracture
- A stroke just before, during, or after birth
- Maternal infection
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Untreated jaundice
Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by two types of involuntary movements, athetosis, and chorea.
Athetosis is a continuous writhing movement caused by contractions and fluctuations in the person’s muscle tone. This type of movement occurs even when the person is resting. It makes it difficult to sit still, stand, or hold any posture for very long.
Chorea is a quick, jerky movement that occurs abruptly and can involve a small part of the body or the entire body.
Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose choreoathetoid cerebral palsy primarily through observation and evaluation of the child’s movement, muscle tone, and abilities. They may conduct medical imaging scans to pinpoint the damaged area of the brain, run blood and urine tests to rule out other causes, and test the child’s vision and hearing to check for co-existing conditions.
Choreoathetoid cerebral palsy treatment includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as medications such as risperidone. Mobility assistance may be necessary, and many children with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy rely on a wheelchair or rolling walker.
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Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby has choreoathetoid cerebral palsy?
Most children with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy do not receive a diagnosis until between one and two years old. If your infant or toddler has missed movement-related milestones, failed to thrive because of eating difficulties, or has concerning movements, you should discuss your concerns with a trusted pediatrician.
Can choreoathetoid cerebral palsy be fatal?
Generally, choreoathetoid cerebral palsy only limits the child’s ability to make purposeful movements. This may affect their quality of life, but it is not fatal.
Who is liable for choreoathetoid cerebral palsy?
Your attorney will help you identify all potentially liable parties in your choreoathetoid cerebral palsy birth injury case. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this could include:
- Your obstetrician
- Another doctor who provided care or delivered your infant
- Another medical care provider
- The hospital or clinic
What is the statute of limitations for choreoathetoid cerebral palsy?
How long you have to pursue legal action in your child’s choreoathetoid cerebral palsy birth injury case depends on the laws of your state. This is why it is important to talk to a lawyer who practices in your state. They can help you understand the local laws that affect your case, including the statute of limitations, the statute of repose, and any allowable tolling for minor victims.
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Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Glossary Terms
- What Is Athetosis? Athetosis is a type of slow, continuous writhing movement that occurs involuntarily in people with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy.
- What Is Chorea? Chorea is an irregular, abrupt, jerky movement that sometimes occurs in those with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy.
- What Is Jaundice? Jaundice is a common condition in newborns caused by too much bilirubin. The liver produces this waste product and normally excretes it in the bile. Untreated jaundice can cause choreoathetoid cerebral palsy and other complications.
Talk to a Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Attorney About Your Case
If your child has a choreoathetoid cerebral palsy diagnosis after suffering a preventable brain injury before, during, or after birth, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice case and hold the doctor or hospital liable. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group now at 1-800-222-9529. You can connect with an attorney who handles birth injury cases in your state.
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