Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle coordination and body movement. Approximately 8,000 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. Most children who have cerebral palsy are born with it, but sometimes it is not diagnosed until later. Symptoms include difficulty walking, talking and maintaining balance.

Cerebral palsy may be caused by a medical mistake that occurs during pregnancy or at some point in the labor and delivery process.

For parents of the thousands of children born with cerebral palsy each year, the joy of childbirth turns quickly to heartbreak. Their child may be left with permanent and disabling injuries requiring a lifetime of care. The financial and emotional pressures can be devastating.

It is even more tragic when parents learn that the injury could have been prevented.

The Cerebral Palsy lawyers at The Driscoll Firm, LLC, can help. We are dedicated fighters for children and parents whose lives have been disrupted because of negligence by a hospital, doctor, nurse or other medical professional.

Presently, we are accepting cases of cerebral palsy negligence in all 50 states. To learn more, call us today at our toll-free number or use our online form.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or an injury to the brain that occurs before, during or immediately after childbirth. The injury can disrupt the flow of oxygen to the brain, causing irreversible brain damage. This can be the result of medical error such as when the doctor or a member of the delivery team fails to monitor signs of fetal distress or when the delivery is negligently delayed.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy have extraordinary needs. Most have impaired motor skills and need help doing everyday things. Some have speech and hearing defects or mental disabilities.

There are three general types of cerebral palsy:

  • Spastic cerebral palsy – stiff muscles and jerky movement
  • Athetoid cerebral palsy – uncontrolled movements, writhing
  • Ataxic cerebral palsy – poor balance and coordination.

Some children have a fourth type of cerebral palsy that is a mix of symptoms from the three other types.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can differ from child to child. Children with severe cerebral palsy might be confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk. Children with mild cerebral palsy might walk in a jerking or spastic manner.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Speech, hearing or vision problems
  • Unsteady balance or posture
  • Weak muscles
  • Tremors
  • Poor coordination
  • Drooling
  • Slow physical growth
  • Breathing or cardiac problems.

The average lifetime cost to care for a person with cerebral palsy is more than $900,000.

Talk With a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Today

The family of a child who has cerebral palsy because of a mistake by a doctor, nurse, delivery team or hospital may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced and dedicated team of cerebral palsy attorneys at The Driscoll Firm, P.C, can help to get it for you.

Our founder, John J. Driscoll, is a national leader in medical malpractice litigation. He has resolved thousands of injury cases against doctors, nurses, hospitals, delivery teams, drug companies and other responsible parties. His achievements have earned him acceptance into the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Let him put his experience to work for your child today.

We are currently reviewing claims of cerebral palsy medical negligence from every state in the country – from Alaska to Arizona. Call our toll-free number today to talk with a caring and compassionate lawyer about your case or take a moment to fill out our contact form.

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