During pregnancy, every parent hopes for a healthy baby. When birth injuries occur, families are left heartbroken and children can be impacted by it for their entire life. Cerebral palsy is one of the most upsetting birth injuries a child can be diagnosed with. Unfortunately, cerebral palsy is also the most common developmental disorder in children that can occur in as many as four in 1,000 live births. Although physical therapy can help manage some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy, it isn’t curable. Cerebral palsy can even more upsetting knowing that it could have been completely preventable had medical professionals provided the mother and baby with better care.
Families in Dunmore have access to experienced cerebral palsy lawyers at Latona Law who can help them get justice for their child’s cerebral palsy.
How is Cerebral Palsy Caused?
In some instances, cerebral palsy isn’t caused by birth injuries or medical malpractice. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or brain damage. Some parents might never be able to find the direct cause of their child’s cerebral palsy. It is also possible that a baby’s cerebral palsy was caused by a birth injury, but not necessarily one brought on by medical malpractice. In extremely difficult pregnancies and deliveries, the medical staff might do everything in their power to prevent injuries from occurring with no success.
There are many ways that medical negligence before, during, or after a baby’s birth can lead to brain injury that can cause cerebral palsy. During pregnancy, a mother may have an infection that if not treated by medical professionals, could spread and lead to brain damage in the baby. Medical neglect could also occur in multiple ways during delivery. Doctors may neglect to give a needed C-section on time, causing harm to the brain. Failure to fix an umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck can also cut off oxygen resulting in brain damage that can cause cerebral palsy. The use of vacuums and forceps during delivery may cause brain injuries as well. After the baby is born, medical staff may neglect to monitor the baby’s vital signs or inadequately treat medical conditions that are present.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
For many parents with children who have cerebral palsy, they might not see any symptoms at first. Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed by a child’s second birthday when they begin to show developmental problems. When your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you might not be thinking about the treatment they received before, during, or after their birth. You can contact a cerebral palsy lawyer in Pennsylvania until your child’s 20th birthday. As soon as you suspect your child suffered a birth injury, don’t wait. You should reach out to an attorney immediately.
The severity of cerebral palsy can vary from person to person. Multiple types of cerebral palsy may present themselves with different symptoms. While cerebral palsy has many different forms, there are four types, which include:
Athetoid cerebral palsy – this may cause involuntary symptoms in the face, torso, and limbs.
Ataxic cerebral palsy – a person may have difficulty with balance and coordination from ataxic cerebral palsy.
Spastic cerebral palsy – the most common form of cerebral palsy. It causes stiffness and involuntary movements.
The fourth main type of cerebral palsy is a mix of two or more different types.
Compensation for Cerebral Palsy.
Children with cerebral palsy will require a lifetime of additional care and assistance. Even into adulthood, they might be able to accomplish a few tasks on their own. This level of care can be extremely expensive. Medical bills, special education, living assistance, or other expenses cerebral palsy requires can possibly add up to over $1 million during a person’s lifetime. If your child has cerebral palsy caused by medical neglect, you deserve compensation for these financial damages. In addition to compensation for financial damages, you can also be compensated for non-economic damages. This can include the pain and suffering cerebral palsy has caused for your child and the decreased quality of life they can experience due to it.
Cerebral Palsy Lawyers in Dunmore
Proving that medical negligence led to your child’s cerebral palsy is difficult, which is why you need lawyers that specialize in these cases. Latona Law focuses on medical malpractice and birth injury cases, which include cerebral palsy, and our lawyers have analyzed thousands of cases.
If you suspect that your child has cerebral palsy that was caused by a birth injury, you likely have a lot of questions. We understand that this can be a difficult and confusing time for families. At Latona Law, we offer a free consultation to answer your questions and discuss the details of your situation. We work on contingency fees, so you won’t have to pay any fees until we win your case.
Contact us to learn more about what your legal options are for cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury.