Does your baby suffer from hemiparetic cerebral palsy? You may be able to file a lawsuit against the OBGYN who treated you during your pregnancy and delivery. If your baby suffers from Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy, an attorney can help you prove whether negligence or medical malpractice played a role in their diagnosis.
If a failure to meet the accepted standard of care during your pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care contributed to your child’s birth injury, an attorney can help you receive the financial costs you are entitled to. Your recoverable damages could include current and future medical expenses and additional non-economic and punitive damages.
Call our cerebral palsy lawyer to schedule a free consultation. Your lawyer can help gather the medical records and expert reviews you need to prove your case. Your birth injury lawyer can also assist you in holding the right persons liable for your child’s injuries and determining the guidelines and statutes of limitations in your state.
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Overview
Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a cognitive disorder and form of paralysis that negatively impacts motor function and muscle tone on one side of the body. The disorder can range from mild to severe and can affect children in a variety of ways including seizures immediately following birth.
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Causes
Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is typically caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Fetal stroke
- Placental infection
- Congenital heart disease
- Fetal asphyxia during birth
- Preexisting maternal infection
- Incompatible maternal and infant blood groups
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Symptoms can vary widely from one child to the next. Some classic symptoms of Hemiplegic cerebral palsy include having one hand constantly balled into a fist, favoring one hand over the other, and delays in reaching infant and child milestones. Additional signs and symptoms might include trouble learning to walk, weakness and stiffness on one side of the body, and extreme irritability.
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis and Treatment
When your child’s doctor notices symptoms of hemiparetic cerebral palsy, they should order an MRI, and cranial ultrasound. These tests along with visual observation of the baby’s movements and bodily functions can provide a final diagnosis.
Hemiparetic cerebral palsy can be treated with physical therapy, occupational therapy medication to control seizures, and the use of braces to strengthen and support the limbs. Other treatments include orthopedic surgical procedures depending on the severity of the disorder.
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Frequently Asked Questions
These commonly asked questions will help you understand how your baby was diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy and how you can help ensure they get the treatment and attention they are entitled to.
How Do I Know If My Baby Has Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy?
You should suspect hemiparetic cerebral palsy if your child has unexplained seizures and you experienced a prolonged or difficult labor and delivery. Some other signs you should look for include your child seeming to prefer one hand in a fisted position or having difficulty moving one side of their body.
Can Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Be Fatal?
Hemiparetic cerebral palsy is chronic and lifelong, but usually not fatal. The prognosis for children with a confirmed diagnosis of hemiparetic cerebral palsy is usually favorable because the disorder is progressive. With the right treatments and therapies, a child with this disorder can experience improved cognitive function and intellectual ability.
Who Is Liable For Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy?
Liability is dependent on several factors that contribute to the causes of your child’s case of hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Liability might center on the physician, OBGYN, or other members of the health care staff who were present during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Some factors that can help assign fault or liability include human error, undiagnosed and untreated maternal and fetal infections, and fetal asphyxia.
What Is The Statute of Limitations For Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy?
You are entitled to file a claim for any birth injury your child suffered due to medical negligence, neglect, or error. Your state might place certain time restrictions on the filing of your lawsuit. There are three important time restrictions you need to be aware of.
The statute of limitations determines the time you have to file a claim. The statute of repose determines how actions on your part might impact your claim. Tolling for minors determines how the age of your minor child affects the statute of limitations.
A successful medical malpractice or birth injury lawsuit must meet certain proof and meet your state’s timeline. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at 1-800-222-9529. Our lawyers can help you understand the complexities of your lawsuit, compile the evidence you need, and meet the varying time restrictions of your state.
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy Glossary Terms
- What is Placental infection?
A placental infection is one that invades the amniotic membranes that surround and protect a fetus while still in the womb. It can result from an infection in the mother that is passed through the umbilical cord or crosses the birth canal during vaginal birth. - What is Congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease is a defect or malformation in the heart’s structure. It can also be defined as the defective functioning of the heart. Congenital heart disease is a birth defect present in newborns at birth. - What Is Cranial Ultrasound?
Cranial ultrasound is a diagnostic scan designed specifically for use in infants. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to scan the infant’s brain in order to assess blood flow.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you receive financial compensation for injuries your baby suffered during delivery. A lawyer who specializes in cerebral palsy and birth injury cases can help ensure your child gets the medical and therapeutic care they are entitled to. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at 1-800-222-9529 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.