On January 20, 2012, Illinois resident Jennifer Schuster commenced a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. Schuster’s daughter, Selena, was born on January 7, 2005 with alleged birth injuries including cerebral palsy, brain hemorrhage, and liver damage. Schuster’s case against Palos Community Hospital claims that Selena’s injuries are the result of birth injury malpractice, since hospital staff failed to perform a C-section, misused delivery equipment, and failed to warn Schuster of potential birth injuries when her membranes burst.

Cerebral palsy as a result of birth injury

Cerebral palsy resulting from a birth injury is a permanent and life-altering condition that often results from brain damage to the newborn. More than 15 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and experience symptoms ranging from seizures and involuntary muscle movement to tight muscles and difficultly moving their muscles. Cerebral palsy can also cause cognitive impairments, as well as hearing, speech, and vision problems.

Birth injury malpractice has life-long repercussions

Cerebral palsy may occur as a result of birth injury malpractice. For example, if a medical team fails to resolve fetal distress and the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off (asphyxia), an infant may experience brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. When Schuster commenced a cerebral palsy lawsuit, it was alleged that her delivery team failed to use forceps and a vacuum to deliver her baby quickly. Her lawsuit also suggests that Schuster’s doctors failed to perform a C-section, when this action could have increased oxygen to Selena’s brain and therefore prevented her birth injuries.

Justice sought in cerebral palsy lawsuit

Jennifer Schuster’s cerebral palsy lawsuit cannot undo the damage done to her daughter, but a successful verdict may help Schuster’s family find justice and recover financial damages associated with Selena’s birth injuries. If your child suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of birth injury, the attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch can help. We have over 40 years’ experience in birth injury litigation, and we understand the devastating effects this condition can have on your child and family. Your consultation is completely free, and there is absolutely no charge to you unless we recover damages.