My Cerebral Palsy Child: Your Birth Injury Resource and Legal Support

As a parent caring for a child with cerebral palsy, you’re on a unique and sometimes challenging journey. Understanding the symptoms of cerebral palsy is an important part of navigating this path.

Cerebral palsy is a complex condition with symptoms that can vary greatly from one child to another. Generally, it affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. You might notice that your child has difficulties with coordination and control, muscle stiffness or weakness, or involuntary movements. Some children may also experience challenges with balance and posture or fine motor tasks like writing.

It’s also not uncommon for children with cerebral palsy to have co-occurring conditions, such as difficulties with speech, learning, hearing, or vision. Seizures and intellectual disabilities may also be present in some cases. It’s important to remember that these symptoms are a result of how cerebral palsy affects the brain and are not reflective of your child’s capabilities or potential.

Witnessing these symptoms in your child can be worrying and heart-wrenching, but know that each child with cerebral palsy has their own set of strengths and abilities. While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, early and ongoing intervention can make a significant difference. Alongside medical and technological support, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can greatly enhance your child’s abilities and quality of life. Charities, community resources, or even a malpractice lawsuit may be able to help you secure funds for these therapies and other expenses.

When a hospital, doctor, or other healthcare provider makes a mistake or is negligent during the birthing process, they may cause a birth injury that itself causes cerebral palsy in the child. This is considered cerebral palsy medical malpractice, and it can occur from several different incidents during birth, including:

• Anesthesia Errors – Improperly administered anesthesia (such as an epidural) can lead to serious harm to both the mother and child and can result in brain damage, leading to the development of cerebral palsy.
• Asphyxiation, Strangulation, or Respiratory Distress during Delivery – One of the most common causes of CP is the infant having their oxygen supply (blood flow) cut off in the womb or during delivery.
• Brain Damage Caused During Labor or Delivery – The majority of children born with cerebral palsy suffer brain injuries during labor and delivery, often due to medical mistakes.
• Infections during Pregnancy – Certain infections in the mother, including Rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis, can lead to elevated levels of proteins called “cytokines,” which cause inflammation and can lead to brain damage in the baby.
• Insufficient Oxygenation – When a baby’s blood supply is cut off, especially for several minutes, permanent brain damage can easily occur.
• Missed Cesarean Opportunity – When a C-section is warranted but not performed in time, leading to permanent brain damage.
• Surgical Errors – Many times, birth injuries that lead to the development of cerebral palsy are caused by preventable surgical errors related to anesthesia or c-sections.

If a doctor or hospital’s negligence caused harm to your child, your family deserves to be compensated. Cerebral palsy can put incredible strain on a family, and treatment can cost upwards of $1 million. A cerebral palsy malpractice or negligence lawsuit holds medical providers responsible for these costs, and for the harm they have caused your child.

If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, why should this financial burden fall on the family? To discuss your family’s legal options, reach out to our team at My Cerebral Palsy Child. We’re here for you.

As a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, facing the financial aspects of your child’s care can be one of the most challenging parts of this journey. I want to acknowledge the concerns and pressures you might be feeling as you navigate these costs. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy often involves various expenses, including medical treatments, therapy sessions, specialized equipment, and potentially modifications to your home for accessibility.

It’s important to remember that these costs reflect the extensive and ongoing support your child may need to thrive. However, managing these expenses can be a significant source of stress. If you believe that your child developed cerebral palsy during birth due to negligence or are interested in exploring the link between birth injuries and cerebral palsy. Our highly experienced lawyers are here to help you get informed. Call now for a free consultation and personalized service because another added expense is the last thing you need.