Every patient hopes to give birth to a healthy baby. However, a birth injury can leave families heartbroken and confused as to how something like that could happen. One of the most devastating birth injuries a child could be diagnosed with is cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common developmental disorders that affect children, and there is no cure. This diagnosis can be even more upsetting when you know it could have possibly been prevented.
Medical errors and negligence happen far more often than we wish. If you suspect your child developed this disorder due to a birth injury at the hand of medical professionals, our cerebral palsy lawyer in Lake Ariel, PA, can help. Reach out to Latona Law today to get justice for your child.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Though cerebral palsy is not always caused by birth injury or medical malpractice, these instances can occur. Cerebral palsy is primarily caused by abnormal development or damage in the brain. Some parents may never be able to find a direct cause of their child’s condition, or an injury could have occurred during a complicated pregnancy or birthing process.
However, there are also many ways medical negligence before, during, or after birth can lead to a child developing cerebral palsy. A mother could have an infection during pregnancy that is left untreated, spreading to the baby. Medical neglect can also occur during delivery, where doctors may neglect to conduct a necessary C-section or fix a wrapped umbilical cord. Medical staff may also not correctly monitor its vital signs or present medical conditions after the baby is born.
Different Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can be difficult to detect and is typically not diagnosed until a child’s second birthday. Your first thought may not always be how they were treated before, during, and after birth. That is why it’s essential to connect with a cerebral palsy attorney in Lake Ariel, PA, right away. In Pennsylvania, you have until your child’s 20th birthday to file a birth injury case. If you suspect a medical error caused your child’s condition, you should reach out to Latona Law as soon as possible.
Cerebral palsy can vary in severity, and there are multiple types with different symptoms. Though many different types exist, there are four main kinds your child may be diagnosed with.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy can cause involuntary symptoms in areas such as the face, torso, and limbs. About 10% of children are diagnosed with this type, and common symptoms include a rigid or stiff body, floppiness in the limbs, posture issues, and problems feeding.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy may cause a person to have difficulty with their balance and coordination. This type makes up a tiny percentage of cases, and those affected often have issues with voluntary movement. Common symptoms include speaking difficulties, problems with depth perception, tremors and shakiness, and spreading their feet while walking.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of the disorder. People with this type will often experience stiffness and involuntary movements. Common symptoms are awkward reflexes, stiffness in certain parts of the body, permanently tightened joints or muscles, and abnormal gait.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
The fourth type of cerebral palsy is mixed cerebral palsy, which is a mix of two or more different types. The damage to the brain is not always confined to just one place, which causes a child to develop cerebral palsy with characteristics of multiple brain injuries. The most common mixed cerebral palsy typing includes various symptoms of spastic and athetoid.
Your Cerebral Palsy Case in Lake Ariel, PA
Proving that your child suffered from medical negligence and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result is challenging. Fortunately, the lawyers at Latona Law has extensive experience working with birth injury and cerebral palsy cases.
If you think your child’s cerebral palsy in Lake Ariel, PA, was caused by a birth injury, our team can help answer any of your questions. We understand how confusing this time can be, and we offer a free consultation to help you make sense of the situation. We also work on contingency fees, so you do not owe us any fees until your case is won.
Contact Latona Law today to learn about your legal options.