More than 5,000 children in the United States each year are affected by cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a serious birth injury that results from brain damage typically caused by a number of factors — including, in some cases, physician error or medical negligence — this type of birth injury compromises the body’s ability to control movement and posture and may often results in seizures, intellectual impairment, behavioral problems, hearing deficits, and vision disorders. There is no way to reverse the effects of cerebral palsy, but some of the problems may be controllable with therapy, medication, and surgery.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, he or she may have cerebral palsy or another birth injury. See a medical professional immediately for proper diagnosis and then consult a medical malpractice lawyer like Veronica Richards who is familiar with both medicine and the law at 412-261-2620.
Cerebral palsy, which is a condition rather than a disease, is caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. Some of the following factors may contribute to cerebral palsy:
In many situations, medical error, malpractice, or negligence may be to blame for cerebral palsy. Such situations include when doctors or attending physicians fail to perform the appropriate tests that may alert them to potential birth complications. Some physicians or pediatricians may fail to treat problems early that may interfere with an infant’s development and growth. Often times the health of the infant was not properly monitored throughout pregnancy and delivery of steps were not taken to ensure a safe delivery.
The most common type of cerebral palsy, spastic cerebral palsy, accounts for nearly 50 percent of all such cases. It is characterized by stiff, contracted muscles and sometimes, by paralysis.
The birth injury ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance, coordination, and depth perception. A child with ataxic cerebral palsy will often walk unsteadily, have poor coordination, and have difficulty honing fine motor skills. For example, they may not be able to tie their shoes or use a crayon.
Athetoid cerebral palsy results in involuntary movement of the hands, arms, legs, and feet. Some victims also experience speech problems, drooling, and other difficulties in controlling the facial muscles.
Some cerebral palsy victims suffer from more than one type of the condition. All four types of cerebral palsy can result from physician error. If your child has cerebral palsy, medical malpractice is one of the possible causes. If you suspect that medical error may be the cause of your child’s cerebral palsy contact Veronica Richards today or dial 412-261-2620 for a free evaluation of your case. Veronica Richards, nurse practitioner-attorney is familiar with both the medical profession and the law. She knows what questions to ask to find out the truth behind your child’s injuries. The lawyers at Richards & Richards, LLP truly care about your case. Do not trust just anyone to handle your medical malpractice case.
Our direct medical experience and decades of medical malpractice experience allow us to truly help people in the most difficult situations. For a free initial consultation, call 412-261-2620 or contact us online.
With our main office located in Pittsburgh, we are happy to evaluate medical malpractice cases from across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
