When parents learn that their child has cerebral palsy, it can be very difficult for them. It’s a devastating and often debilitating condition with no cure and which generally requires a lifetime of treatment. There are estimates totaled at over 0,000 for a lifetime of treatment for cerebral palsy. The consequences of cerebral palsy can be overwhelming for families when they don’t know where to turn for assistance.
A cerebral palsy attorney may be someone to turn to, depending on the circumstances that caused the child’s condition.Families have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering if the cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice. If you suspect that your child’s cerebral palsy was due to a preventable birth injury, a cerebral palsy attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal alternatives.
Is Medical Malpractice the Cause?
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is given to thousands of babies born in the U.S. each year. The causes of cerebral palsy are not known yet evidence shows that brain damage that occurs during or after the birth process may result in this disability. Brain damage occuring during the birth process is often preventable by the medical staff being attentive and taking certain precautionary measures. Some of these precautions include:
- Ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the fetus/infant during birthing
- Diagnosing and treating maternal or fetal infections in a timely manner
- Performing an emergency C-section as soon as necessary
- Properly using delivery equipment such as vacuum extraction and forceps
- Recognizing and immediately responding to signs of fetal distress
Brain damage and cerebral palsy may result from the failure to take any of these precautions.
When Should You Contact a Cerebral Palsy Attorney?
You should contact a cerebral palsy attorney if:
- You had a particularly difficult labor and delivery
- You had a C-section
- Your child was born with the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Your child needed resuscitation or suffered a seizure after birth
- Your child had an infection such as meningitis
- Your child had jaundice
- Any other complications were suffered by you or your child during delivery
While these things do not automatically indicate that medical malpractice is to blame, they should nevertheless be properly evaluated by an experienced cerebral palsy attorney.
How a Cerebral Palsy Attorney Can Help
There are numerous ways a cerebral palsy attorney can help you and your family if you suspect that medical malpractice caused your child’s condition, including
- Case evaluation – The process of determining whether medical malpractice is to blame is very complicated and requires special legal and medical knowledge.
- Plan a course of action—If it is determined that medical malpractice did, in fact, cause your child’s condition, a cerebral palsy attorney can help you plan a course of action that may involve filing a lawsuit.
- Legal rights and interests – Protecting your legal rights and interests is a key factor the cerebral pasy attorney will do. Your case may be negotiated or go to trial which ever is needed to ensure a fair and proper settlement.
To learn more or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact a cerebral palsy attorney today.
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