Mesothelioma Legal Advice

Cerebral palsy is a condition that results from a brain injury or abnormality that occurs during fetal development, the birthing process, or within the first several months of the infant’s life. Though doctors have yet to fully understand all of the causes of early brain damage, medical science has identified a number of cerebral palsy causes and risk factors:

Maternal Infections

Maternal infections may increase the risk of cerebral palsy by as much as nine times and include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

• Bladder or kidney infection

• Rubella

• Sepsis (an infection of the bloodstream)

• Chorioamnionitis, a uterus infection

• Toxoplasmosis

Because maternal infections are a known and often preventable cause of cerebral palsy, pregnant women should always seek medical treatment as soon as they believe they have an infection.

Prenatal/Neonatal Infections & Complications

The following prenatal/neonatal infections may increase the risk of cerebral palsy:

• Bacterial meningitis

• Viral encephalitis

• Group B streptococcal infection

• Herpes group B

• Sepsis

It is not known exactly how these infections cause cerebral palsy; however, evidence suggests that prenatal infections may lead to preterm birth—another risk factor for cerebral palsy. Other evidence suggests that cerebral palsy can be caused by brain damage triggered by infections.

Rh incompatibility and jaundice are additional complications that may cause cerebral palsy in the developing infant.

Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight

Preterm birth (occurring before 37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight are known to significantly increase the risk of cerebral palsy. Preterm babies are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to have health complications and be hospitalized.

Risk factors for preterm birth include certain maternal infections, stress, previous pregnancy with preterm labor, multiple births such as twins or triplets, smoking or alcohol/drug use, and cervical or uterine abnormalities.

Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice

While many cases of cerebral palsy are congenital—that is, present at birth—some instances of cerebral palsy are due to damage to the brain during the birthing process itself. Birth injuries are largely preventable but may happen when medical staff fail to:

• Diagnose and treat maternal infections

• Recognize and respond to fetal distress

• Perform a C-section in a timely manner

• Treat jaundice in the newborn

• Ensure adequate oxygen supply

• Properly use equipment such as forceps or vacuum extraction

Medical malpractice is not necessarily intentional, but the consequences can be devastating nevertheless. When cerebral palsy is caused by medical malpractice, families may be able to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for their treatment costs and losses.

When to Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Attorney

If you had a complicated labor and delivery and your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, medical malpractice may be to blame. Costs for lifetime treatment of cerebral palsy, which is incurable, can average more than 0,000. One option may be filing a medical malpractice lawsuit so you and your family can receive compensation for cerebral palsy treatment. You may also be entitled to money for your pain and suffering, your child’s loss of earning capacity, and various additional costs related to the cerebral palsy.

A child with cerebral palsy may have multiple special needs, depending on the severity of the condition. In more severe cases of cerebral palsy, a child may also suffer from mental retardation, behavioral problems, epilepsy and other associated conditions. Meeting the needs of a cerebral palsy child can be financially overwhelming for families, particularly when the child requires:

· 24-hour or long-term care

· Assistive devices such as a wheelchair

· Medication

· Physical, occupational, speech or mental therapy

· Surgery

Parents of a cerebral palsy child may be able to obtain assistance with some of these needs from local or national, governmental or non-profit organizations. However, some families might be eligible for compensation from a different source: cerebral palsy lawsuit. Damages for eligible families may include money for permanent disability, costs for medical treatments, pain and suffering and other expenses related to cerebral palsy.

Was Your Child Harmed by Medical Malpractice?

Cerebral palsy is primarily caused by damage to a baby’s developing brain, but there are many cases in which there are no reasons for the condition. However, a small percentage of the thousands of diagnosed cases of cerebral palsy each year may have been prevented with proper medical care.

There are several well-known factors that may cause or contribute to the development of cerebral palsy in a child. These include:

· Maternal/fetal/newborn infections

· Seizures after birth

· Pre-term delivery

· Low birth weight

· Severe jaundice

· Oxygen deprivation

· C-section or other delivery complications

While it’s not always possible to prevent these things from occurring, medical professionals have an obligation to take proper precautions and to respond to complications in a timely manner so as to reduce the risks to the mother and child. The results can be devastating when medical professionals fail in this obligation, and they can be held responsible for any damages that were suffered.

A Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Can Help

Treating a cerebral palsy child can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over his/her lifetime. If your child’s condition was caused by medical malpractice, a cerebral palsy lawyer can help you to get the compensation needed to care for your child.

It is important to note that medical malpractice cases are subject to a statute of limitations. Because of this, a strict deadline will be enforced in the filing of your lawsuit, assuming you are eligible. As soon as you suspect that your child has cerebral palsy as a result of medical malpractice, you should contact an attorney immediately to ensure that your rights are fully protected.

Contact Burke & Eisner Today

The attorneys at Burke & Eisner have helped numerous families recover compensation from doctors and other parties who caused a child to develop cerebral palsy. If you would like to discuss the details of your case with an experienced attorney and find out whether your child’s cerebral palsy was as a result of medical malpractice, contact us today. At no cost to you will will evaluate your cast, answer any questions you have and discuss your options.