Approximately 8,000 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. There is no single, clear-cut cause that applies to every situation. Each case is different – just as each child with cerebral palsy is different.

Cerebral palsy generally occurs when the flow of oxygen to the brain is cut off. This condition is known as hypoxia. Cerebral palsy can also result from a severe lack of oxygen supply to the entire body. This condition is known as asphyxia. It can result from a premature or troubled delivery, a birth trauma or an infection in the child or mother.

Sadly, many cases of cerebral palsy were preventable. These cases were caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of a doctor, hospital or delivery team. In such situations, the child may be left with extraordinary physical needs that require lifetime care. Parents can face astronomical expenses and emotional distress.

Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice

The great majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it. A small percentage of children develop cerebral palsy after birth due to severe head trauma, abuse, near drowning, meningitis, encephalitis or some other condition.

All too frequently, cerebral palsy is linked to a medical mistake. Some examples are:

• Failure to properly monitor fetal condition during pregnancy or labor
• Failure to react to fetal warning signs quickly enough
• Negligence in performing a vacuum delivery
• Negligence in performing a forceps delivery
• Failure to diagnose and treat meningitis promptly
• Failure or delay in performing a Caesarean section
• Inadequate response when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
• Poor communication among the delivery staff
• Not ordering certain tests during pregnancy or not interpreting tests accurately
• Administering drugs like Pitocin improperly
• Allowing the baby to go too long without oxygen during a complicated delivery.

These are just some of the acts and omissions that can lead to cerebral palsy. Often, it is difficult to figure out what went wrong during childbirth and who was at fault. These determinations require knowledge of both medicine and the law.

Seek a Free Review of Your Cerebral Palsy Case

The birth injury lawyers at The Driscoll Firm, LLC, are skilled at reviewing cerebral palsy cases. They know what questions to ask. They know what medical records to examine. They know how to guide children and families to a better place.

Do you think a medical mistake contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy? Are you concerned that something was done – or not done – during labor and delivery that led to complications?

We can get answers to your questions. The Driscoll Firm, LLC, has helped injured children, parents and families across the nation. We understand the pain, frustration and confusion experienced by parents of a child with cerebral palsy. We know how to identify responsible parties, locate insurance benefits and get maximum financial assistance.

If you have a child with cerebral palsy, we can provide a free and confidential review of your case. Call us today at 314-932-3232 or complete our contact form to schedule one today.

For more information:

• Cerebral Palsy Information, PubMed Health (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
• United Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy, Mayo Clinic