Cerebral Palsy Often Linked To Medical Malpractice
About 10,000 babies born each year develop cerebral palsy making it one of the most frequently occurring birth related disorder. Cerebral palsy is typically defined as a neurological disorder that permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination. Although it is often linked to an occurrence that takes place near or during the birthing process, its symptoms may not present themselves until a child’s second birthday. Symptoms ofcerebral palsy may include:
• involuntary and uncontrolled movements
• balance and depth perception disturbances
• lack of coordination
• muscle weakness
• difficulty hearing and seeing
• cognitive impairment affecting a child’s ability to think and learn
• difficulty controlling limb movement
All of the causes of cerebral palsy are unknown, but a known source of birth injury leading to cerebral palsy is medical errors during the labor and delivery process. Examples include delays in delivery causing a baby remain in the birth canal too long and suffering oxygen deprivation. Where medical personnel fail to act quickly to perform a cesarean section to restore the oxygen flow to a baby’s brain, they may be guilty of medical malpractice. The improper use of forceps may cause a birth injury leading to cerebral palsy as well.
Although some actions – such as cooling therapy - may be taken at the time of birth to lessen the severity of cerebral palsy, it is a chronic condition with no known cure.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it may be the result of a medical error at birth, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced California birth injury lawyer for a confidential consultation. Our medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping those injured by negligent medical care.
