an aide working with a child with cerebral palsy

Medical Malpractice and Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong physical disability that affects movement and coordination in the body. It is caused by damage to the developing brain that can occur before or during birth. Many cases of cerebral palsy are preventable and may be caused by medical negligence or improper care by hospitals or medical providers. In this blog post, we will discuss how such negligence can lead to cerebral palsy and what victims of medical malpractice can do about it.

How Negligence Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. If medical professionals act negligently or fail to provide proper care, they may be held accountable for any resulting injury or disability. Examples of medical negligence that can contribute to cerebral palsy include:

  • Failing to detect fetal distress during labor and delivery
  • Failing to diagnose an infection or illness in the mother during pregnancy
  • Failing to treat prolonged labor appropriately
  • Failing to recognize signs of oxygen deprivation in the newborn baby
  • Delivering a baby with forceps or vacuum extraction without proper training

These are just a few examples of how negligence during delivery can lead to cerebral palsy. Other causes of cerebral palsy include premature birth, genetics, and infections acquired during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that these other causes may also have been due to medical negligence. If any of these conditions that led to cerebral palsy could have been prevented with adequate medical care, then victims may be able to file a claim for damages against those responsible for their injuries.

The Effects of Cerebral Palsy on Children and Families

Cerebral palsy affects each child differently; some children may experience only mild symptoms, while others may require constant care throughout their lives. Symptoms may include muscle tightness or weakness, seizures, developmental delays, impaired speech, difficulty walking and eating, chronic pain, and vision impairment (among many other conditions).

For many children born with severe cerebral palsy due to medical negligence or improper care by personnel involved in their delivery process, these effects will be lifelong disabilities that affect every aspect of life. Families of children with cerebral palsy also may have to pay heavy financial costs, including out-of-pocket costs, throughout the child’s lifetime.

How to Ensure Our Children Are Protected From Negligence

Families should not hesitate to seek legal counsel if they believe their child’s condition was caused by negligent behavior by medical professionals. Hiring a lawyer could help them receive compensation for their losses as well as bring accountability to those who were responsible for causing harm in the first place. By understanding how negligence leads to serious health conditions like cerebral palsy, we can work together toward ensuring that all children get the best possible start in life – regardless of where they come from or who takes care of them when they are born.

How McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA Can Help

At McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA, we are passionate about helping families affected by medical negligence. We understand the financial and emotional toll this can take on victims and their loved ones, and our experienced team of attorneys is here to help. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer any of your questions, and assess the potential compensation available to you.

Contact us today at (505) 405-4441 or by completing our form online.

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