Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to refer to several neurological disorders, which affect muscle movement. Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder, meaning its symptoms do not generally worsen as time passes. Cerebral refers to the brain, meaning the disease affects the brain and brain function. The brain controls motor function and coordination, both of which are damaged by cerebral palsy. There are three categories of cerebral palsy, which refer to the area of the brain which is damaged: spastic, ataxia and athetoid or dyskinetic.

Several different incidents cause cerebral palsy. It can develop before birth, during birth or even after a child is born. The brain of the fetus can be damaged in the womb while it is forming. Genetics may also play a role. Another common cause of cerebral palsy is birth difficulties, such as, lack of oxygen, forceps assisted delivery, unnecessary use of vacuum, being caught by the umbilical cord and being stuck in the birth canal. There are some risk factors for cerebral palsy including premature birth, multiple births and low birth weight (under 2 pounds) and infections and head injuries after birth. Illnesses such as jaundice, bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis can cause cerebral palsy. Other traumatic events after birth including bleeding in the brain, epileptic seizures and breathing and circulation problems may cause cerebral palsy too.

Signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child is 3 years old. Common symptoms to look for include lack of muscle coordination, stiff muscles, muscle spasms, problems with balance, exaggerated reflexes, walking on toes, walking while dragging one leg and abnormal muscle tone. Cerebral palsy causes different levels of disabilities, from mild to severe. Children with mild cerebral palsy may not require any special assistance, whereas children with severe cerebral palsy may require a wheelchair to move and need lifetime care. Some of the common difficulties caused by cerebral palsy include mental retardation, seizures, speech problems, swallowing problems, hearing loss, vision problems and dental problems.

There is not any cure for cerebral palsy. However, there are many different treatments available. Treatments are usually specific for each individual and involve several types of therapy including physical, occupational and speech therapy. Medications have had some success in controlling symptoms. As soon as a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, treatment should begin. The earlier the treatment is, the better for the child.

Medical malpractice can cause cerebral palsy. Medical decisions made during the pregnancy, at the child’s birth and afterwards can all affect whether the child will develop cerebral palsy. Failure to detect and treat problems can cause cerebral palsy. If successful with a cerebral palsy lawsuit, you can recover medical and treatment expenses, loss of income, partial or permanent disability and psychological suffering.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered from cerebral palsy as a result of medical malpractice, you may want to speak with an attorney regarding a potential claim.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.