Cerebral palsy, a condition caused by damage to the brain before, during, or after birth, is a devastating diagnosis for any family. Though not always the result of medical malpractice, cerebral palsy can be caused by negligent medical care during delivery.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to control their muscles and movement. It can involve a range of disabilities, including difficulty with coordination, muscle stiffness or spasticity, tremors, and impaired balance. Depending on the severity of the condition, individuals with cerebral palsy may need help with daily living activities, such as feeding, dressing, and mobility. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 500 babies are affected by cerebral palsy, with many cases being the result of preventable birth injuries.
How Medical Malpractice Can Cause Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during the delivery process. This can happen when medical professionals fail to monitor the baby's vital signs or recognize distress during delivery. In addition, medical professionals who improperly use forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can cause trauma to the baby's head, resulting in brain damage and cerebral palsy. Other negligent actions, such as administering the wrong medication or dosage during delivery, can cause cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.
The Devastating Impact on Families
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing care and treatment. The cost of care can be staggering, with estimates ranging from $500,000 to $1 million throughout a person's lifetime. In addition, the emotional toll on families can be significant. Families must adjust to caring for a child with special needs, and the emotional stress can strain relationships and impact each family member's mental health. The injustice of knowing that their child's injury was preventable can also be overwhelming, leaving families to cope with anger, sadness, and a sense of helplessness.
Options for Legal Recourse
Families who suspect their child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice may have legal options for seeking compensation. By pursuing a medical malpractice claim, families can not only recover damages to help pay for the cost of care but also hold the negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the birth and advise families on their legal options.
Cerebral Palsy Attorneys in Atlanta
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we have extensive experience representing families affected by cerebral palsy and other birth injuries caused by medical malpractice. If you need help understanding cerebral palsy and medical malpractice, or legal representation for your case, contact us today at (888) 425-6070. We are here to help.