If your child was diagnosed with hypertonic cerebral palsy after birth, you may be able to hold your doctor or hospital liable. Call to connect with a cerebral palsy lawyer at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group. They can help you determine whether you might have a case and file a lawsuit against the doctor or other medical professional responsible for your child’s birth injury.
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
Your baby has been diagnosed with hypertonic cerebral palsy and you are considering filing a birth injury lawsuit. Do not attempt to navigate the legal complexities of a lawsuit or insurance claim on your own. An attorney can help you prove your OBGYN was negligent or failed to meet the standard of care to which you and your infant were entitled.
An attorney can also help you establish that your doctor did not uphold the standard of care in your state and use this to hold the right people liable for how their actions impacted your pregnancy, delivery, and baby. A lawsuit can help you receive economic and noneconomic damages if your doctor’s error led to your baby’s developmental disability and impairment.
An attorney can help you build a solid case and meet the filing deadlines for your state. They will help you define your damages and hold the individuals and institution responsible for birth injuries to your child and for the care they need now and in the future. Speak to an attorney today who can help you define and abide by the statute of limitations and other applicable filing guidelines and deadlines in your state.
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Types
Hypertonic cerebral palsy, also known as spastic cerebral palsy, is a type of cerebral palsy typically characterized by abnormal muscle movements. Patients with this type of cerebral palsy exhibit stiffened and spastic muscles. They often have trouble standing, walking, and controlling the movements of their bodies.
There are three types of spastic cerebral palsy:
- Spastic diplegia: muscle stiffness mainly in the legs
- Spastic hemiplegia: stiffness on one side of the body, arm typically affected more than leg
- Spastic quadriplegia: stiffness in arms, legs, face, and trunk
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Causes
Hypertonic cerebral palsy can have various contributing causes. It might be caused by any of the following criteria:
- Fetal stroke
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Medical negligence
- Maternal preeclampsia
- Fetal infection prior to birth
- Infection during pregnancy
- Lengthy and protracted labor and delivery
- Failure to perform an emergency C-section delivery
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Children who suffer from hypertonic cerebral palsy exhibit increased muscle tension and stiffness. Your child might also display many of the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Awkward movements
- Random muscle spasms
- Awkward crawling motions
- Difficulty establishing balance
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis and Treatment
Hypertonic cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed by a physician’s observance of signs and symptoms like stiffened muscles, random muscle contractions, uncomfortable motions, and spastic movements from your baby. Your pediatrician and other specialists might also perform imaging and other lab and diagnostic exams.
Treatments for hypertonic cerebral palsy can include speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and muscle strengthening exercises. Patients may also require prescription medications. Some patients might also undergo surgical procedures to lengthen tendons and repair instances of scoliosis depending on the severity of the disorder.
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Baby Has Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?
Only a final medical diagnosis can confirm hypertonic cerebral palsy. If you notice seizures, awkward movements, difficulty lifting the head, or spastic muscle movements in your child, contact a doctor immediately for a thorough examination.
Can Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Be Fatal?
Hypertonic cerebral palsy is not usually fatal. Some cases of hypertonic cerebral palsy are non-progressive and will not worsen as the child grows. Other contributors to the disorder can worsen over time.
Who Is Liable for Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?
An attorney can help you determine liability after your child is diagnosed with hypertonic cerebral palsy. A close examination of your and your baby’s medical records might help determine the medical error, physician error, a failure to diagnose or treat infections during your pregnancy or delivery, and unnecessarily prolonged labor and delivery when the doctor should have performed a C-section.
Your Cerebral Palsy lawyer will seek medical experts to review the medical records and confirm the diagnosis while establishing liability. Investigating the hospital and doctor’ files, talking to witnesses, and monitoring your baby’s situation close are all part of your attorney’s job. Once they have a clear picture of what happened, who was responsible for your baby’s birth injuries, and what amount the liable party or parties should pay you as compensation, your lawyer will initiate settlement negotiations or prepare for trial.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?
Receiving a medical diagnosis of hypertonic cerebral palsy can be devastating and overwhelming. It is important to confirm this diagnosis as soon as possible to ensure your child receives the immediate and ongoing medical treatments they need.
It is equally important because the legal system in each state sets a limit on the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. This time limit is called a statute of limitations. Tolling for minors might be able to add time to a lawsuit filed on behalf of your child.
Your state also requires you to adhere to the statute of repose that establishes an absolute deadline for your lawsuit. Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at 1-800-222-9529. Our attorneys will help you understand the filing process and ensure you comply with the time limitations set by your state.
Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Glossary Terms
- What Is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is the occurrence of abnormally high blood pressure and damage to the liver or kidneys.
- What Is Fetal Stroke? A fetal stroke occurs before birth when blood flow to the brain is restricted. It can lead to a variety of cognitive impairments including epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
- What Is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature along the length of the spine.
Call A Birth Injury Lawyer Near Me
The treatment your child needs following a hypertonic cerebral palsy diagnosis is costly and continual. Get the help you deserve to cover the expenses of their ongoing treatment.
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today to get connected with a medical malpractice birth injury lawyer in your state who can help you understand your options and negotiate a settlement for your child: 1-800-222-9529.