Cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder affecting movement and posture, can be linked to various medical mistakes during pregnancy, childbirth, or the immediate postnatal period. Common factors include medical errors leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the baby’s brain. A cerebral palsy lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the injury to determine the exact cause.
Birth Injury Lawyers Group is dedicated to helping families navigate the uncertain legal terrain that lies before them. During our legal practice, we have recovered over $750 million for our clients, and we continue winning cases. Call our cerebral palsy lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation.
Inadequate Oxygen Supply to the Baby’s Brain
Medical errors that result in inadequate oxygen supply to the baby’s brain during pregnancy or childbirth are critical factors contributing to the development of cerebral palsy. Insufficient oxygen, known as hypoxia, can occur due to various mistakes and negligence in medical care.
In some cases, medical professionals may overlook signs of oxygen deprivation, underestimate the urgency of the situation, or make errors in administering oxygen therapy. These critical errors can have profound and irreversible consequences, affecting the baby’s neurological development and increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Diagnosis Mistakes
These refer to errors made by medical professionals in identifying and accurately assessing the condition. These mistakes can occur at various stages, from prenatal screenings to postnatal evaluations. Misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses may lead to critical delays in initiating appropriate interventions and support for those affected.
Types of errors medical professionals make regarding cerebral palsy diagnosis include:
- Misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy as another neurological or developmental disorder.
- Delayed diagnosis, overlooking early signs and symptoms.
- Underestimating the severity of the condition.
- Failure to conduct thorough neurological assessments.
- Overreliance on imaging studies without considering clinical observations.
- Lack of communication and collaboration between healthcare providers, leading to incomplete diagnostic evaluations.
The complexity of cerebral palsy, coupled with overlapping symptoms with other medical conditions, increases the likelihood of diagnostic errors. In some cases, healthcare providers may underestimate the significance of early signs, leading to missed opportunities for timely intervention.
Birth Trauma
Trauma during delivery is a significant risk factor that can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy in newborns. The physical stress and pressure experienced by the baby during these situations can result in injury to the brain, leading to long-term consequences.
This type of trauma often occurs when there are complications during the birthing process, such as:
- A difficult delivery
- The misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Shoulder dystocia
- Inadequate monitoring of fetal distress
A Phoenix birth injury lawyer from our team will review all available medical records and collaborate with medical experts to determine what caused the CP. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the more time the lawyer will have to strengthen your claim.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Medication Errors
When healthcare professionals fail to prescribe, administer, or monitor medications appropriately, resulting in harm to the mother or the developing fetus, it may constitute negligence. Medical malpractice claims often hinge on establishing a breach of the standard of care (demonstrating that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted practices within their field).
- Prescription mistakes: Errors in prescribing medications for pregnant women, such as providing incorrect dosages or prescribing medications that are contraindicated during pregnancy, can lead to adverse effects on fetal development.
- Administration errors: Incorrect dosage, improper timing, or administering the wrong medication can negatively impact the baby’s health and increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
- Inadequate monitoring of medication effects: Failing to closely monitor the effects of medications on both the mother and the developing fetus can lead to complications. This lack of vigilance may result in prolonged exposure to medications with potential neurotoxic effects, increasing the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
- Incomplete medication history: Inaccurate or incomplete information about the mother’s medication history, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, can lead to unintended drug interactions or adverse effects on the developing fetal brain, contributing to cerebral palsy.
The consequences of medication errors in prenatal care, particularly when they contribute to conditions like cerebral palsy, can be severe and irreversible. This type of medical mistake provides a compelling basis for families to pursue legal action against the at-fault healthcare providers.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Lack of Proper Prenatal Care
Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing fetus, allowing for early detection and management of potential risk factors.
Inadequate prenatal care may result from various factors, including:
- A lack of regular check-ups
- Insufficient communication between healthcare providers and expectant mothers
- Limited access to necessary medical resources
Without proper monitoring and intervention, underlying conditions that could contribute to cerebral palsy, such as infections, nutritional deficiencies, or gestational diabetes, may go undetected and untreated.
Our Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Will Help You Seek Justice
A doctor’s duty of care is a fundamental principle that forms the ethical and legal foundation of the medical profession. At its core, this duty represents a healthcare provider’s obligation to provide a reasonable standard of care in the best interest of their patients.
This encompasses accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment plans, and timely interventions. Doctors are expected to stay informed about advancements in their field, communicate effectively with patients, and consider individual circumstances to tailor their care.
When a medical professional fails to meet their duty of care and their mistakes harm your child, you could file a claim for compensation. Contact our cerebral palsy attorneys today to discuss your case.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."
