Cerebral Palsy
When Medical Mistakes Lead to Cerebral Palsy
The birth of a new life is typically a wonderful and gratifying occasion, despite the birthing room being a tad chaotic. There are a lot of exciting and intricate things happening all at once, with several people involved.
Doctors can get rattled just like anyone else and sometimes they don’t follow protocol. Unfortunately, when doctors or medical staff disregard certain medical standards, an innocent child ends up with Cerebral Palsy and is left to suffer lifelong consequences. This is where a team of medical malpractice attorneys can help.
Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders categorized by a disruption between brain function and motor skills. It can range from mild to severe in nature and may require extensive medical treatment. If your child suffers from Cerebral Palsy as a result of birth injuries stemming from medical malpractice, you may be due financial compensation.
The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, can evaluate your case and verify whether or not you should pursue a claim. Our law firm has extensive experience and a track record of success in birth injury claims. If your baby was the victim of medical malpractice, they will help get you the compensation that you deserve.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders categorized by a disruption of brain function and motor skills that can range from mild to severe in nature. There are basically three general kinds of Cerebral Palsy, and each can be further categorized.
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy is characterized by general stiffness and difficulty moving limbs.
- Athetoid Cerebral Palsy involves involuntary and/or uncontrolled movements.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is distinguished by problems with balance and/or depth perception.
Again, each of these groups is further categorized according to their characteristics and symptoms. For instance, there are four different recognized types of Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is not just one disorder; it is a group of disorders. It is important to know exactly what type of Cerebral Palsy you are dealing with in order to get the proper medical care and treatment.
What kind of birth injuries cause cerebral palsy?
Certain complications and poor medical treatment during prenatal visits, the birthing process, and even newborn care can result in Cerebral Palsy. It used to be believed that oxygen deprivation was the only cause of Cerebral Palsy in newborns and infants.
While oxygen deprivation is still one of the leading contributors, we now know that there are also other causes. Sometimes the misuse of forceps or other foreign objects, the failure to perform a timely cesarean section, the introduction of certain medications, or even the forcible movement of the baby’s head can cause Cerebral Palsy in newborns and infants.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
If a child is affected by Cerebral Palsy, the doctor will likely be suspicious right away and may even run tests. If that is not the case. it is best for parents to know what to look for.
There are some symptoms that may not manifest themselves immediately. However, if you see any abnormality, or suspect that something may be wrong with your baby, it is best to have them evaluated by a pediatrician that you trust right away.
Here are some common signs and/or symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in infants and newborns:
- Poor muscle tone
- Baby seems ‘floppy’ or ‘stiff’
- Muscle spasms
- Poor reflexes
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble feeding or swallowing
There are many indicators of Cerebral Palsy that are not apparent until a baby starts missing developmental milestones. In children ages birth to five months, a General Movements Assessment Test can be a strong indicator of the disorder.
Is there a cure for Cerebral Palsy?
No, there is currently no cure for Cerebral Palsy. There are many treatment and therapy options that may help control the effects of the disorder, but they can be costly. These types of conditions typically do not get any better, but the symptoms can be minimized and sometimes well controlled with the right type of treatment.
The degree of treatment necessary will be dictated by the severity of the disorder.
If you think that your baby is suffering from Cerebral Palsy as a result of a birth injury, you may be due financial compensation that will help pay for their medical treatment. If the negligence of the doctor or medical staff caused your child’s disorder, then they should be held financially liable.
Do I need a New York medical malpractice lawyer?
If your child suffers from Cerebral Palsy and you suspect it is because of someone else’s negligence, call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, immediately. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with Cerebral Palsy claims for birth injury victims.
Many times, the legal staff may be able to retrieve sensitive medical documents that you may not have access to on your own. They also know what to look for in those records that may be a clear indicator of medical malpractice. An experienced New York medical malpractice attorney will be able to conduct a thorough investigation and maximize your claim so that all of the necessary medical expenses can be covered. Doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies have aggressive attorneys working on their side and you should too.
Contact our New York medical malpractice law firm today
If you have a child who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, and you suspect medical negligence, don’t hesitate to call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, today to have your claim evaluated. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in NYC will listen intently and investigate diligently.
Your child will suffer for a lifetime, and if someone else is responsible for their injuries, then they should pay for the medical care that your child needs. Our aggressive New York medical malpractice lawyers will maximize your claim so that your child can have the best quality of life possible.
Contact our office for a FREE CONSULTATION at any time.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.