Cerebral palsy is a medical term used to describe a group of chronic disorders affecting body movement. While some children develop cerebral palsy later on, there are some who are born with it as a result of a birth injury.
Birth injuries can be traumatic as they may result in a child facing a lifetime of care and treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can impact an individual’s quality of life significantly. This may lead you to file a Florida medical malpractice claim.
When medical negligence causes a birth injury, the responsible party may be held legally liable. A Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim.
An Understanding of Cerebral Palsy
While cerebral palsy affects an individual’s ability to move, the damage actually occurs in the brain. The brain’s ability to control posture and movement can be disrupted, resulting in the need for assistive devices. In some cases, it may also affect learning and intellect.
There are a number of causes for a child to develop cerebral palsy. A head injury that occurs during delivery may be a factor. Babies are especially prone to a head injury when an obstetrician incorrectly uses forceps or vacuum extraction to assist in the delivery.
Jaundice, meningitis and maternal infections are other potential causes. If a physician fails to diagnose and treat these types of conditions and it results in cerebral palsy, the doctor may be held liable through a Florida medical malpractice claim.
If there is any deprivation of oxygen to the brain—which can occur if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck and a doctor fails to quickly correct it—this may be a case of medical negligence.
Proving medical negligence in a birth injury case can be difficult, which is why you will need the help of a Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
The symptoms of cerebral palsy will vary from one individual to another. They can also change over the course of time. The extent of brain damage will impact the severity of the condition.
When cerebral palsy occurs as a result of a birth injury, symptoms will begin to show generally before a child’s 3rd birthday. There may be a delay in reaching developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, smiling and walking.
Some of the symptoms that may be seen in those with cerebral palsy include:
- impaired fine motor skills;
- imbalance;
- difficulty walking;
- involuntary movements;
- tightness/paralysis of limbs;
- mental impairment;
- speech impairments;
- hearing disorders;
- epilepsy; and
- seizures.
Some individuals with cerebral palsy may also have accompanying medical disorders.
When Cerebral Palsy Leads to a Florida Medical Malpractice Claim
When medical negligence is the cause of your child developing cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a Florida medical malpractice claim.
You may be eligible to receive damages related to the hospital and medical expenses of caring for your child, along with future treatment that may be necessary. If your child will require assistive devices such as a wheelchair these costs may also be recovered through a Florida medical malpractice claim.
Additionally, you may be entitled to other types of damages such as pain and suffering, disability and loss of enjoyment of life. A Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer can help determine the types of losses that may be recoverable.
Consulting with a Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer should be your next step if you believe your child was the victim of a birth injury. A lawyer will help collect the necessary evidence, assist you with the paperwork and otherwise help you fight for your Florida medical malpractice claim.
Contacting a Palm Beach Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
When it comes to choosing an attorney, you can’t afford to play a game of chance. Picking a Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer based on a colorful bus ad or a touching TV commercial won’t necessarily put you in touch with the attorney best suited for your case.
Florida injury lawyer Theodore Babbitt has spent years building his practice and growing his network of trusted colleagues and well-respected lawyers. Simply fill out our online form for Florida injury victims, and Mr. Babbitt will personally review your story to see if you have a valid medical malpractice claim. He will then put you in touch with the attorney best-suited to handle your case. There is no cost to get started – 1-877-751-8087.