Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders resulting from by brain damage or abnormal brain development that can cause impaired motor skills and other disabilities. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include involuntary movements (jerking or writhing), tremors, partial paralysis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, floppy muscles, and difficulty in walking.

In some cases, cerebral palsy is a congenital condition, meaning that the child is born with it. But in other cases, cerebral palsy is caused by a birth injury resulting from medical malpractice. For example, problems with the infant’s umbilical cord can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) which results in brain damage that causes the cerebral palsy. If the medical professional overseeing the delivery and birth of the child failed to recognize the problem, or did not act according to hospital protocol or adhere to the standard of care, he or she may be found medically negligent. Examples of medical negligence or malpractice can include failing to detect fetal distress, failing to treat a prolapsed umbilical cord, failing to perform an emergency C-section, improperly using forceps or vacuum extraction, or leaving the infant in the birth canal too long.

Cerebral palsy litigation

Learning that a child has cerebral palsy is devastating to a parent. A child with cerebral palsy faces a lifetime of challenges, as well as potentially exorbitant expenses for medical treatments, special services, and equipment to help him or her perform daily activities, such as wheelchairs or other devices.

If the child’s cerebral palsy was caused by the negligence of a medical professional during labor or delivery, a lawsuit may enable the parents to obtain financial compensation for birth injuries and enable them to provide their child with the care he or she needs.

Contact Balkin & Eisbrouch for a free evaluation

If your child suffered a birth injury that was caused by medical negligence or malpractice, Balkin & Eisbrouch can help. Our expert attorneys have more than 40 years of experience in litigating birth injury and medical malpractice lawsuits. We can simplify the complicated legal process for you and help you get the compensation you and your child deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you. There is absolutely no cost to you unless we obtain a financial settlement for you.