Learning that your infant has a serious medical condition can be cause for alarm. This is especially true of parents who were not expecting such a diagnosis. However, medical complications can occur before, during or after birth. In some cases, these complications may cause an infant to develop a neurological condition called cerebral palsy. If your child received this diagnosis, you are likely wondering how this condition came about and what you can do moving forward. Below, our Chicago birth injury lawyers discuss what may cause cerebral palsy during birth. If you suspect your child’s medical condition was caused by an injury at birth, contact our offices to learn more about your legal options.
Cerebral palsy is an impairment of the body’s ability to control movement and posture. Cerebral palsy results from brain damage or abnormal brain development.
Unfortunately, this damage is not reversible. A child will live with the effects of cerebral palsy throughout his or her lifetime. However, many types of treatments are available for people with this condition. Treatments, therapies and assistive devices may help improve mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Cerebral palsy can arise from abnormal brain development or a brain injury shortly before, during or after birth. In some cases, a fetus may have a stroke while in the womb, causing bleeding in the brain. When blood vessels in the brain become blocked or damaged, brain damage may occur.
Medical negligence or error can also cause cerebral palsy. Birth injuries are medical conditions which can arise due to an oversight or error on the part of a medical facility or its staff.. Cerebral palsy caused by a birth injury may constitute grounds for a legal claim. A birth injury lawsuit may be able to secure damages to cover expenses such as medical bills, medications, and/or treatments and therapies to manage the symptoms of cerebral palsy and improve the child’s quality of life.
Cerebral palsy is often caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This term refers to the lack of oxygen and blood flow to a baby’s brain during labor and delivery. The restriction of blood and/or oxygen to a baby’s brain may cause significant cellular damage. This damage may lead to cerebral palsy. The following scenarios can increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy:
Improper care in the NICU and healthcare professionals’ failure to recognize certain medical problems may also lead to cerebral palsy. Kernicterus, which is a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, is caused by severe jaundice. If left untreated, it may cause cerebral palsy.
A preventable birth injury may result in a life-long medical condition. However, birth injuries are a form of medical malpractice. Pursuing a medical malpractice case may secure the compensation your child needs to manage his or her symptoms and live a full life. Schedule a free initial consultation with our Chicago birth injury attorneys to discuss your situation. You can contact our offices by calling (877) 262-9767 or filling out our online form.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.