Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of infants and children each year. Although it is normally caused by genetic or unavoidable medical complications, cerebral palsy can be caused by medical negligence. In cases where a medical professional has acted negligently, they may be guilty of malpractice and the affected party might be entitled to financial compensation.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed by cerebral palsy and you think that medical malpractice might be to blame, it is imperative that you get in contact with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having a good lawyer on your side could make the difference between getting the restitution you deserve and having your lawsuit dismissed.
Common Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Children
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to move and posture/balance. As such, cerebral palsy manifests in motor control difficulty and is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the brain. Other common symptoms of cerebral palsy in children include:
- Low heart rate
- Low energy levels
- Skull fractures
- Seizures
- Weak reflexes
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Trouble with voluntary muscle movements (e.g. swallowing)
Cerebral palsy can also lead to long term conditions, such as:
- Speech impediments
- Hearing problems
- Learning disabilities
Medical Oversights That Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy
In many cases, cerebral palsy in children is caused by genetics or from unavoidable medical complications during pregnancy or delivery. However, damage to the brain can occur due to oversights and negligence on the part of medical professionals.
Perhaps the most common cause of cerebral palsy due to medical negligence is a failure to treat infections in the mother. Failing to treat a known medical illness in a pregnant mother could constitute malpractice as these infections could infect the baby’s brain. Both bacterial and viral infections can negatively affect infant brain growth and development.
Additionally, cerebral palsy can be caused by doctors issuing inappropriate medication during pregnancy. Some of these medications can cause injury to both the parent and the child. Prescribing medication could count as malpractice if the medical professional does not anticipate common side effects of combining the medicines or prescribing inappropriate amounts of medication.
Malpractice and Negligence
Medical malpractice is legally considered a form of negligence. In order to prove negligence, it must be shown to the court that the medical professional had a reasonable duty of care to the patient, the professional breached the duty of care, and that the breach of the duty of care caused the injury. If these three things can be proven in court, then the professional can be charged with malpractice and you might be entitled to financial compensation.
Why Choose Elstein Legal?
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect malpractice to be the cause, then contact a qualified personal injury lawyer immediately. At Elstein Legal, we will work hard to examine the facts of your case and put together a winning lawsuit. Call us today at (205) 299-2835 or schedule a free case consultation online.