Cerebral Palsy

 

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe several disorders that can affect a child’s ability to move, as well as their balance and posture. While cerebral palsy can be caused by genetics or unpreventable delivery complications, it can also be caused by head trauma or lack of oxygen during delivery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that 1 in 323 children have cerebral palsy. Complications during birth can increase the risk of this disorder by up to 10 percent.

 

While some children may recover over time from mild injuries, in other instances the damage is permanent. These children may be unable to walk, experience hearing and vision problems, or experience epilepsy or intellectual difficulties. These children who grow into adulthood may be unable to care for themselves. Moderate or severe cases of cerebral palsy can result in ongoing medical expenses for the life of the victim. That is why it is so important to rely on an attorney you can trust. At Donahue & Horrow LLP, our California cerebral palsy lawyers are focused, professional and passionate about what they do.

 

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

There are three types of cerebral palsy. A victim can have one type, or any combination of:

• Spastic cerebral palsy: This type is characterized by stiff muscles and difficult, jerky movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy: This is characterized by poor muscle coordination and balance.
• Athetoid cerebral palsy: This is marked by uncontrolled movement.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the part of the brain that is responsible for muscle function. It is considered non-progressive, meaning it will not get worse over time. This damage can occur during pregnancy or delivery.

 

There are several events that can cause cerebral palsy shortly after birth. These include:

• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: This is caused by asphyxia (lack of oxygen) to the brain. This type of injury can occur before, during or after birth.
• Periventricular: This is caused by damage to the white matter of the brain.
• Intraventricular hemorrhage: This is caused by bleeding in the brain. Bleeding can cause a hematoma, which creates brain damage.
• Cerebral dysgenesis: This type of damage is caused by abnormal brain development and isn’t caused by an injury to the brain.

 

If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe it is due to the medical negligence of the hospital or physicians, call us. A California cerebral palsy lawyer from our office will analyze your case and determine if you have a claim. Your lawyer will gather the facts and go over your medical reports. This documentation can include the physician’s reports, medical test reports, the mother’s prenatal records, and fetal monitoring information.

 

Cerebral Palsy Damages

The costs of caring for a child with cerebral palsy are usually high, as there will be medical costs associated with their care for their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control report that children that suffer from cerebral palsy can incur well over one million dollars in medical costs over their lifetime. Depending the on the degree of their condition, this can increase exponentially.

 

Most cerebral palsy sufferers will need a collection of the therapists and doctors to care for them over their lifetime. This can include:

 

• Pediatric neurologists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech and language therapists
• Social workers

 

In addition to these expenses, some cerebral palsy victims may require residential housing and require extra services that are not covered by insurance. Our California cerebral palsy lawyers are aware of this. You and your family should not have to bear the expense for the cost of someone else’s negligence.

 

The legal team at Donahue & Horrow LLP understand the heartbreak and anger that you feel as a parent. You can rest assured that we have the experience, resources and commitment to fight on behalf of you and your child. Whether your child has a cerebral palsy injury, shoulder dystocia, Erb’s palsy or other birth injury, rest assured that we are here to fight for your legal rights.

 

It is important to take prompt action, as there are time deadlines involved in these cases. Failure to adhere to these deadlines can jeopardize your claim. Call us today for a free consultation at 310-322-0300 or 877-664-5407.