Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that impair muscle coordination. As the Cerebral Palsy Alliance explains, CP can develop before, during, or shortly after birth as a result of brain damage.
When cerebral palsy develops before or during birth, it is called congenital CP, which accounts for approximately 85 percent of all CP cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When cerebral palsy develops due to brain damage that occurs more than four weeks after birth, it is called acquired CP.
Some children develop cerebral palsy due to genetics. These cases are not preventable; however, CP often develops as a result of an illness or injury caused by medical malpractice.
If you believe that your child developed cerebral palsy as a result of medical negligence, contact the Robson Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation to pay for medical bills related to your child’s condition. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
Our attorneys have recovered more than $26 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury lawyer in Austin.
Risk Factors of Developing Cerebral Palsy
As previously mentioned, not all cases of CP are preventable. When determining whether a particular case could have been prevented, it is important to evaluate the factors that contributed to the development of CP. The following risk factors increase the likelihood of a child developing congenital CP:
- Low birth weight;
- Premature delivery;
- Kernicterus or jaundice shortly after birth;
- Infections during pregnancy;
- Birth injuries; and
- Complications during delivery.
Although a child can develop acquired CP through natural means such as stroke, many causes are preventable. These include car accidents and shaken baby syndrome.
You can reduce the risk of your child developing congenital CP by getting the necessary vaccinations and treating infections before conceiving. When you are pregnant, be diligent regarding prenatal care, and contact your doctor if you notice any symptoms of an infection.
Unfortunately, no matter how responsible you are before and during pregnancy, a negligent doctor or nurse may still injure your child and cause cerebral palsy. For instance, if a doctor fails to notice a lack of blood flow to your child’s brain, the oxygen deprivation may cause CP to develop.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you think it developed due to medical malpractice, turn to the Robson Law Firm. We have been representing the injured for more than 20 years.
Our legal team will evaluate your case, gather evidence, interview your medical team, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in Austin. If you would like to learn more about medical malpractice claims in Texas, visit the USAttorneys website.