Boston Cerebral Palsy Lawyers
What Is Cerebral Palsy? How Is it Caused?
Cerebral palsy affects the brain's capacity to control the body. It causes an array of problems involving all of the muscles in the body, affecting things like body movement, body posture, voice control, eating and breathing.
There are a number of causes of cerebral palsy. They include, but are not limited to the following:
- Birth injury
- Lack of oxygen during pregnancy, labor or birth
- Accident that causes head injury and brain trauma
- Maternal use of drugs and alcohol and smoking can all potentially lead to a child developing cerebral palsy
- Maternal or neonatal infection
- Premature birth
Dealing With Your Child’s Diagnosis
It is normal and healthy to have a range of emotional reactions and feelings when you learn that your child will be affected by cerebral palsy. Allowing yourself to experience those feelings is important in order to move forward as an effective and supportive parent and advocate. Consider accessing the many resources and support groups where professionals and parents can help you celebrate your child’s potential and guide him or her through a full and rewarding life. Information at CerebralPalsy.org will help you on that path.
How Medical Malpractice Could Play a Part in Causing Cerebral Palsy
It is possible that your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by the negligence or actions of medical professionals or caretakers and, therefore, could have been prevented. Here are some of the things that might have happened:
- Extended time in the birth canal, causing a lack of oxygen to the brain
- Undetected umbilical cord around the baby’s neck, limiting oxygen supply
- Incorrect use of forceps
- Incorrect use of vacuum extraction
- Delayed reaction to fetal distress
- Lack of response to maternal distress such as high blood pressure
- Neglect of neonatal seizures
- Overlooking or lack of treatment of jaundice or meningitis
If you suspect that any of the above circumstances occurred during or after the birth of your baby, you may have a legitimate claim and could recover monetary compensation. Of course, money won't be able to take your child back in time and undo the brain damage due to accident or trauma at birth, but it can assist you and your family with the related costs that can be incurred over a lifetime of care. In addition, winning your case by holding the responsible parties accountable and causing them consequences might also help to prevent future unnecessary suffering for other families. The Boston cerebral palsy attorneys at the Kiley Law Group have helped many families with children who suffer from birth injuries. We may be able to help you. Contact us today.
