The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that interfere with brain and nervous system functions such as movement, vision, hearing, and learning. It is a permanent disability for which there is no cure. Children with cerebral palsy require a lifetime of monitoring, treatment and care which can cause great financial hardship for their families.

In some cases, children are born with the condition, but in other cases cerebral palsy occurs due to medical malpractice resulting in birth injury during labor or delivery. In that situation, a lawsuit can help parents obtain much-needed financial compensation to enable them to provide for their child’s ongoing needs and medical expenses.

Cerebral palsy symptoms

Some children who have cerebral palsy display symptoms soon after being born. Parents may notice that their baby is unable to swallow, or has seizures, or his body contorts into irregular positions. Other babies seem fine as newborns, but begin to show signs of CP months later as they grow: developmental delays; stiff, jerky, slow, or involuntary muscle movements; weak muscles; favoring one side of the body (and possibly dragging the other side); mental retardation; vision or hearing problems; drooling; or dental issues. Parents who notice any of these signs in their children should immediately consult with their physician to determine the cause and to see if cerebral palsy is present.

How malpractice can cause cerebral palsy

During labor and delivery, an emergency situation such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) or umbilical cord problems can cause bran damage in the newborn if proper measures are not taken by the attending physician. A doctor’s failure to recognize fetal distress, failure to follow hospital protocol, or failure to order an emergency C-section when one is necessary can all result in a child suffering brain damage and cerebral palsy, when the tragic outcome could have been prevented with appropriate medical intervention. In such cases, parent may be eligible to initiate birth injury litigation on behalf of their child.

Call Balkin & Eisbrouch for a free consultation

At Balkin & Eisbrouch, we know how overwhelming a diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be to a parent. Our experienced, knowledgeable birth injury lawyers will explain the litigation process in terms you can understand, and fight to win you the financial settlement you and your child deserve. Please call today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you. There is absolutely no cost to you unless we win your case.