Cerebral palsy is a combination of neurological disorders that can cause motor disabilities and cognitive impairments. In many situations, cerebral palsy can be traced back to the negligence of a healthcare provider during pregnancy or labor and delivery. An experienced Lower Merion cerebral palsy lawyer from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, PC., can review your situation during a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is often caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. Medical errors and healthcare negligence may be to blame for these severe injuries.
Cerebral palsy is considered medical malpractice when it is caused by inadequate care during the birthing process or pregnancy, where healthcare providers fail to uphold the applicable standard of care. Hospitals and medical providers often try to deny or minimize their role in children developing cerebral palsy, so you may need an independent investigation to link their negligence to your child’s injuries.
How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed during infancy. In some cases, it might be diagnosed later in childhood. Often, the condition is diagnosed after the parents or others regularly involved in the child’s life notice common symptoms of cerebral palsy, such as:
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
- Involuntary movements
- Poor balance
- Difficulty with speech
- Difficulty eating
Cerebral palsy can be confirmed through a physical examination, a thorough medical history, and neurological testing. Doctors could also use imaging tests such as MRIs or CT scans to detect signs of brain damage.
How Is Cerebral Palsy Treated?
Unfortunately, cerebral palsy currently has no cure. Treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving a child’s quality of life. For example, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help improve mobility and develop skills. Speech therapy can help the child communicate better.
Medications can help manage symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms. Doctors may recommend surgery in some situations to improve mobility.
Why Should I Consider Taking Legal Action Following a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis?
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit following your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis can help your family in many ways, including:
- Seeking accountability: A medical malpractice claim can help hold doctors, medical professionals, or hospitals responsible for the harm they caused your child and family.
- Obtaining justice: You could receive justice for your child’s injury suffered due to improper care.
- Recovering compensation: The lifetime costs of treating cerebral palsy can exceed $1 million. A successful medical malpractice claim can help secure the compensation you need to pay for your child’s needs.
- Preventing similar harm: Through your legal action, you may be able to spark meaningful change that can help prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak your family has endured.
Contact Our Birth Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If your baby has cerebral palsy because of the actions of a negligent healthcare provider, you deserve justice and accountability. The experienced Lower Merion cerebral palsy attorneys from Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette are committed to holding careless medical providers responsible to the fullest extent of the law. We can review your child’s medical records, investigate the case, and pursue meaningful compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.