Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a blanket term that can refer to a number of movement disorders. The most common symptoms of CP are impairment of motor function, muscle control and coordination, muscle tone, posture, balance, and reflex. Motor skills and oral motor functioning may also change with CP. CP stems from brain damage while a child’s brain is still in development – in the womb, during birth, or immediately after birth. In a small percentage of cases, a negligent physician or other party caused CP. To discover if this is the case with your child, contact Henshaw Law Office.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that occurs when something interrupts the brain’s development. CP impacts muscle coordination and body movement. Most individuals with CP are born with the condition, but some acquire it later. Complications during labor and delivery can cause CP. Medical malpractice, negligence, accidents, abuse, infections, and child injuries can all lead to CP. There is currently no cure for CP, although individuals with this condition may benefit from therapy and treatment. CP is non-progressive, but permanent.
During labor and delivery, it is a physician’s duty to carefully monitor the mother and the infant’s vital signs. Signs of distress, such as changes in fetal heart rate, deserve prompt action. While not all problems during birth point to negligence or medical malpractice, some do. If the physician, another staff member, or the hospital did something that did not meet accepted standards of care to cause the birth injury, it is medical malpractice. If this is the case, the parents have the right to pursue compensation for damages. CP may have resulted from malpractice if:
There is a right and wrong way to go about pregnancy, labor, and delivery. There are standards that physicians must meet and laws they must obey during childbirth. Any action or failure to act that goes outside of these standards, resulting in cerebral palsy or other birth injury, is medical malpractice. Complications may be unavoidable, but malpractice is not. The moment you suspect that negligence caused your child’s cerebral palsy, call our attorneys in San Jose. We want to investigate your case and help you understand your legal options.
If a doctor has diagnosed your child with cerebral palsy after a difficult labor or delivery, it is worthwhile to speak to our San Jose attorneys. There is a chance that negligence caused or contributed to your child’s condition. We offer free case evaluations so you can learn more about your individual case at no charge or obligation. Call (408) 599-1305 to schedule yours.
