Experts estimate that over 10,000 newborns are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. In addition, about 764,000 Americans report suffering from at least one symptom of the condition on a regular basis. The prevalence of this disorder is caused by medical mistakes that occur during pregnancy or as the child is being delivered. Unfortunately, the disorder causes a host of future problems for the child and their parents.
Keep reading to learn more about cerebral palsy and whether your doctor’s mistake rises to the level of medical malpractice.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that impacts a person’s ability to control their muscles. Parents usually recognize the symptoms of the condition when their youngster fails to adequately crawl, roll over or learn to walk. When the symptoms are mild, the child may not be diagnosed until they are much older. This disorder is caused by damage to the brain during the developmental process. There are many risk factors that may lead to cerebral palsy including:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth (prior to 37 weeks)
- Lack of oxygen to the baby during childbirth
- Failure to perform C-Section when the infant shows signs of fetal distress
- Prolonged labor
- Failure to diagnose preeclampsia
- Failure to treat eclampsia
- Failure to treat the baby after birth
- Jaundice after birth
- Infection in mother during pregnancy
- Blood clotting problems
- Infants who are twins, triplets or very small are all at the greatest risk.
What Are the Implications of a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis?
Cerebral palsy causes serious developmental delays that reduce a child’s quality of life. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty moving and walking
- Improper muscle tone (hypotonia, hypertonia and dystonia)
- Abnormal reflexes
- Impaired gross motor functioning
- Poor fine motor control
- Difficulty with oral motor function
These problems are usually permanent, but the severity of the symptoms vary.
Was my Loved One’s Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Cerebral palsy and its causes are well-known among medical professionals. A doctor’s negligence during pregnancy, in labor or after the delivery can result in the developmental disorder. If medical negligence caused your loved one to develop cerebral palsy, then it’s important to consider pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Contact a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Cerebral Palsy Case in Pennsylvania
Were you or your loved one injured due to a birth injury in Pennsylvania? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Philadelphia cerebral palsy attorneys at Baldwin Matzus are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Butler, Cranberry, Greensburg and Washington. Call us today at (866) 858-2276 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 3210, Philadelphia.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
