Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer
Cerebral palsy is a medical condition caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or up to about age three. When medical negligence leads to this devastating birth injury, it is important for parents to determine their legal options.
A family may be able to file a claim and seek compensation for medical treatment needed to help their child, among other damages.
The experienced West Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyers at Gordon & Partners can help you determine if a cerebral palsy birth injury was caused by negligence. If so, our team of attorneys can help you file a claim and obtain the justice you deserve.
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What is Cerebral Palsy?
A cerebral palsy birth injury can affect muscle tone, posture, coordination, and body movement. Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties walking talking, eating, and playing; it is neither progressive nor communicative.
There are three types of cerebral palsy:
- Spastic
- Athetoid
- Ataxic
Spastic cerebral palsy, one of the most common types of cerebral palsy, affects approximately 70 percent of all children with the condition. Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain and the motor cortex or corticospinal tract.
Ataxic palsy can lead to low muscle tone and poor coordination as it affects the sense of balance and depth perception. Children may experience difficulty writing, typing, and walking. This condition is caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia.
Children with athetoid cerebral palsy may have difficulty sitting or walking in an upright position. These individuals may have difficulty holding objects as well.
As children with cerebral palsy get older, they could also experience sight impairment, hearing and speech impairment, seizures, and more.
Causes of a Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury
It is estimated that about 20 percent of cerebral palsy cases occur due to a brain injury during the birthing process. About 10 percent of cases are caused by injuries after birth. Some common causes of a cerebral palsy birth injury include:
- Failing to recognize or act on fetal distress
- Identifying a decrease in heart rate
- Failing to treat jaundice
- Not recognizing umbilical cord irregularities
- Failing to order or perform a C-section
Damage to the brain may occur if the child is in the birth canal too long causing a lack of oxygen to the brain or when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the child’s neck cutting off oxygen to the brain.
It takes approximately 18 months to diagnose cerebral palsy. As a result, some parents may not realize their newborn was injured during the birthing process until they begin to notice signs of developmental delays. Tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to take images of the brain and determine if there is damage.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by a medical professional’s failure to follow the medical standard of care, contact a West Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer at Gordon & Partners. We can review your claim, request medical records, and have experts examine them to determine if you are entitled to file a lawsuit.
Your initial consultation is free and we do not get paid unless we obtain a successful outcome on your behalf.
Call 1 (855) 722-2552 or fill out a contact form.
Filing a Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
For new families, welcoming a child into the world is a moment filled with joy. Unfortunately, medical negligence and injuries can spoil what is supposed to be a happy time. Although nothing can change what occurred, a family can file a lawsuit for damages suffered. A lawsuit may be able to help families obtain compensation for the following:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Past or future surgeries
- Caretaker costs
- Speech therapy
- Braces, orthotics, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids
Families may also be able to obtain compensation for the cost of future living expenses, lost wages, loss of quality of life, and much more.
We understand how difficult dealing with a birth injury can be, which is why our West Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims fight for justice.
Contact a West Palm Beach Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Gordon & Partners has spent more than 25 years helping injury victims and their families fight for the compensation they deserve. Our firm has one focus, getting you the peace of mind you deserve.
We will provide clear and concise advice to ensure you and your family get the results you need. Schedule your free consultation with a West Palm Beach cerebral palsy lawyer today.
Call 1 (855) 722-2552 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation.
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Featured Attorney
Robert E. Gordon
Robert E. Gordon is a personal injury attorney and founding member of the law Offices of Gordon & Partners. He is a strong advocate in fighting for the injured.
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