What happens in about 4 out of 1,000 births? A condition such as this is known as cerebral palsy, which is considered to be one of the most common motor disorders affecting children in America today. CP, a debilitating disorder that affects many children in the U.S. today, starts in the brain where the muscles are controlled. While a small percentage of children adopt this disorder after birth, others are born with it. What happens if you were having a perfectly healthy pregnancy but, when you go through labor, your child is born with cerebral palsy? Sometimes, this unfortunate condition can result from medical malpractice by a physician.
Sometimes, there are risk factors that can dictate whether or not you are more likely to have a child with cerebral palsy. For instance, you could have some type of condition that is more likely to increase your child’s chances of adopting cerebral palsy. This is true for those giving birth to twins or triplets, having a health issue with your thyroid gland, or coming in contact with a toxic substance. However, in cases where cerebral palsy results due to the negligence of a doctor, you may wonder where to start.
Cerebral Palsy Due to Negligence
There are many ways that these preventable birth injuries occur. Sometimes, these birth injuries are caused by the following reasons:
- Infections that have gone undetected in a mother during pregnancy
- Effects of drugs or surgeries during pregnancy
- Failing to notice improper heart rate from the baby
- Not performing a C-section when it is needed
- Gross mismanagement by a doctor
Sometimes, forceps and vacuum extractors can cause cerebral palsy in an infant as well. In fact, they are one of the main reasons for this brain disorder that leads to debilitating effects in an infant. Forceps and vacuum extractors pose many risks to an infant, including brain damage, fractures to the skull, stroke, seizures, and cerebral palsy. Because many of these aspects are highly preventable and there are better methods to be used in the delivery process, many parents wonder how they can bring a claim after medical negligence has led to their child’s condition. Luckily, we are here for you to walk you through the steps of your case.
Cerebral palsy most often occurs when a child is deprived of oxygen during the birth process, which can be easily shown on a fetal heart rate monitor. When a child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you can bring an injury case on their behalf.
Damages in a Cerebral Palsy-Related Claim
If your child has endured cerebral palsy, you may be able to claim damages on their behalf. Some medical expenses that will be covered include damages that can last them a lifetime as they struggle with their injury, which could easily accrue tens of thousands to millions in medical bills for the past and future. Non-medical expenses that you may be able to compensate for include aspects of occupational therapy, counseling for your child, extended home care, and more. Your child may have suffered pain and emotional trauma due to the injuries, which is one more damage you can seek. Regardless of the damages that you believe you are entitled to, you need an attorney on your side who specializes in birth injuries and can help you every step of the way. We want to speak to you today at the Nye Law Group. Call us today as soon as possible at 855-636-9277.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/understanding-cerebral-palsy-basic-information#1
