When you raise a child, knowing that they could experience harm can be painful to think of. For some parents, this harm is done by the people they trust most – the medical professionals who are meant to care for them. Unfortunately, birth injuries are a reality for many families. One of the most devastating birth injuries a child can get is cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy will live with complications from the disorder for the rest of their lives. This can keep them from being able to complete any tasks independently or care for themselves. Cerebral palsy is also the most common developmental disorder among children. At this time, there is no cure for the disorder.
At Latona Law, we would with families in Kingston who have children with cerebral palsy that was caused by a preventable birth injury. We can help your family get justice for birth injuries that cause cerebral palsy.
How is Cerebral Palsy Caused?
Determining how cerebral palsy could have been caused is extremely difficult, even to those with medical training. Part of what makes it difficult to prove if medical negligence occurred is that there are numerous ways a child can have cerebral palsy for unrelated reasons. Cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to the brain. During childbirth, babies often get injured in unpreventable ways. They may suffer from a brain injury that was out of a doctor’s control. In some cases, a child’s brain may develop abnormally during pregnancy due to a genetic issue. The cause of cerebral palsy isn’t always clear, and some families may never find a direct cause.
Unfortunately, many times when cerebral palsy occurs, it could have been prevented. When medical professionals act negligently, mothers and babies may suffer from harm that results in cerebral palsy. Without the proper level of care, there are many ways a newborn can quickly suffer brain damage. This can occur even during pregnancy. If infections in the mother go untreated, they can spread to the baby and lead to possible brain damage. One common way babies get head injuries is by the improper use of forceps or vacuums during delivery. In some deliveries, the umbilical cord can be wrapped around the baby’s neck, which if not treated quickly, can cut off oxygen and cause brain damage. By ignoring signs of distress in newborns, medical professionals might not treat serious issues in a timely matter, which can also lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Children can have a wide variety of different forms of cerebral palsy. Each form will present itself with different symptoms that might have varying degrees of severity. Although cerebral palsy is initially caused by an injury during pregnancy, delivery, or soon after, symptoms don’t show themselves at the time. Most parents won’t start to see signs of cerebral palsy until their child starts getting older and has developmental problems. Any parent who suspects that their child has cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury should get in contact with an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner the better to get legal help and families in Pennsylvania have until their child’s 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, which include:
Athetoid cerebral palsy – athetoid cerebral palsy can cause involuntary movements in the face, torso, and limbs.
Ataxic cerebral palsy – having ataxic cerebral palsy can affect a person’s balance and coordination.
Spastic cerebral palsy – this is the most common type of cerebral palsy and causes stiffness and involuntary movements.
The fourth main type of cerebral palsy is a combination of two or more different types.
Compensation for Preventable Cerebral Palsy
The damages families face after their child develops cerebral palsy due to a birth injury is something no one should have to go through. Expenses alone, which can get to be over $1 million during a person’s lifetime, only makes it more difficult. The stress that’s caused by the costs of medical bills and additional care is something you should not have to deal with. You deserve financial compensation for the damages your family has faced from cerebral palsy. By receiving compensation, you can be able to provide any care that your child may need. Compensation can also include non-monetary damages, such as the emotional pain and suffering you and your child have been through.
Cerebral Palsy Lawyers in Kingston
Cases that involve cerebral palsy are always extremely difficult. Because of the nature of these cases, the lawyers involved must be highly trained in both the legal and medical fields. At Latona Law, we specialize in birth injury and medical negligence cases. Our experience with cerebral palsy cases can help you win your case and get the compensation and justice you deserve.
This is a difficult time for any family, and we understand that you might have many questions about the legal process. Contact us for a free consultation for families in Kingston to go over your concerns.