Cerebral palsy is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disabilities in the country. It can inhibit a person’s ability to walk and speak. Many children with cerebral palsy (CP) also suffer from seizures, learning disabilities, and impaired hearing or vision. Tragically, cerebral palsy can occur because they were injured during the labor and delivery process.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it may be related to a birth injury, contact the attorneys at Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. Our dedicated Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyers are experienced in holding negligent hospitals and medical staff accountable. Call (410) 685-2022 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
As noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability diagnosed in children. Individuals with cerebral palsy generally experience problems with movement and posture linked to stiffness, weakness, or lack of control in their muscles. CP can require lifelong care in severe cases and may present with other developmental disabilities.
A study showed that of the children diagnosed with CP:
- 33.3% had limited or no walking ability;
- 7.8% walked using a hand-held mobility device; and
- 58.9% could walk independently.
Medical treatments for symptoms and diagnosis can be extremely costly. The initial diagnosis may require scans and imaging to determine whether there are areas of abnormal development or damage in the brain. Treatments for symptoms can involve a combination of medication, therapy, and surgical procedures. Currently, there is no cure for cerebral palsy.
How Common is Cerebral Palsy?
The CDC estimates that cerebral palsy presents in 1 to nearly 4 per 1,000 live births worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 1 in 345 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can affect many aspects of a child’s development. Early signs of the developmental disorder can be seen in babies less than 6 months old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened at regular intervals beginning at 9 months old for developmental delays. If you are concerned that your child is not meeting developmental milestones, it is important to contact your pediatrician. Many times they may recommend a specialist that can diagnose and treat your child.
If your child has notable developmental delays or motor skills problems related to a birth injury, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 to speak directly with a Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyer.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy can be caused by several factors, including trauma to the brain that occurs before, during, or immediately after birth. Some cerebral palsy cases are caused when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain during the birth process.
Potential causes of cerebral palsy resulting in liability:
- Difficult labor
- Failure to order a medically necessary c-section
- Misdiagnosis or failed diagnosis
- Breech presentation
- Use of unnecessary force during delivery
- Uterine rupture
- Problems with the umbilical cord
- Insufficient monitoring during labor and delivery
- Poor prenatal care and treatment
- Detachment of the placenta
When a healthcare provider’s negligence, lack of diagnosis, or other wrongdoing results in oxygen deprivation to an infant, they (and/or their employer) may be held liable through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
What Are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy that is related to brain damage before or during birth is referred to as congenital CP. The vast majority of cerebral palsy cases are classified as congenital. Acquired CP is defined as cerebral palsy that results from brain damage acquired more than 28 days after birth.
Cerebral palsy is classified into four main types:
- Spastic cerebral palsy – Spastic CP is the most common type of cerebral palsy, affecting approximately 80% of people with the disorder. Individuals with spastic CP most often have increased muscle tone resulting in notable stiffness and potentially awkward movements.
Spastic CP can affect a person’s legs (spastic diplegia/diparesis), one side of a person’s body (spastic hemiplegia/hemiparesis), or a person’s entire body (spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis).
2. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy – Dyskinetic CP is found in individuals that have difficulty controlling the movement in their extremities. The uncontrolled movement may make it challenging to walk and talk.
3. Ataxic cerebral palsy – Ataxic CP is identified in people that have pronounced difficulty with balance and coordination. Depending on the severity, they may have limited mobility.
4. Mixed cerebral palsy – Mixed CP occurs when an individual presents with more than one type of cerebral palsy.
We know that a diagnosis of this magnitude can be overwhelming for any parent. We are here to help you and your child receives the highest level of care possible. Our Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyers will fight to obtain compensation for your child’s medical bills and future treatment.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Children with cerebral palsy may have a number of different symptoms, mostly surrounding their ability to move or maintain balance. Children may struggle with coordination or an inability to control muscles in certain areas of their bodies.
Common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- A lack of coordination
- Poor balance
- Muscle stiffness
- Uncontrolled movements
- Seizures
- Hearing and vision problems
- Scoliosis
- Intellectual disabilities
- Difficulty with speech
Many parents discover that their child misses early developmental milestones, such as an inability to roll over at 9 months. It is crucial to address any concerns with your child’s pediatrician and to ask for a specialist to screen for developmental delays.
Why Hire a Baltimore Cerebral Palsy Lawyer?
Children with cerebral palsy generally require years of medical treatment. The cost of care can be extraordinary. If your child’s cerebral palsy was related to a birth injury, you might be entitled to compensation. Damages in birth injury cases often include the child’s medical bills as well as the likely cost of future treatment.
By pursuing litigation against a negligent medical care provider, you can help to ensure that your child receives the best treatment possible. We know that no amount of money can ever undo the trauma that you and your child experienced, but we will fight to obtain the maximum recovery possible in your child’s case.
Turn to a Trusted Cerebral Palsy Advocate
If you suspect that your child’s cerebral palsy is related to a birth injury, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. You deserve a dedicated, experienced advocate that will not give up.
Call our office at (410) 685-2022 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a Baltimore cerebral palsy lawyer today. Our nationally recognized firm proudly serves all of Baltimore and clients throughout Maryland.
