Difficulties and medical errors during the birth of a child can cause neurological disorders due to brain damage. Among other developmental challenges that could result, birth injuries such as cerebral palsy (CP) may cause problems with your child’s posture, muscle tone and balance.
Unfortunately, many parents experience the joy of expecting an infant only to face devastation when their baby arrives with a disability that could have been prevented. Medical professionals are responsible for preparing you to deliver a healthy baby.
However, if your infant has CP, you can seek compensation to cover the additional expenses of raising a child with special needs.
How might a medical provider cause CP?
Nationwide, cerebral palsy affects approximately 10,00 children every year. A doctor’s negligence throughout your pregnancy could cause permanent challenges for your child. Whether an infection goes untreated or you receive misinterpreted test results, your doctor’s care before giving birth can negatively affect your child.
Furthermore, brain damage during delivery causes nearly 20% of all CP cases nationwide. In addition to oxygen deprivation caused by the umbilical cord wrapping around a baby’s neck, neurological damage could result from medical errors such as:
- Prolonged labor
- Improper forceps use
- Failure to perform a necessary cesarean section
Additionally, if you develop eclampsia while pregnant, your resultant high blood pressure could cause a seizure during birth. If not properly treated, this may lead to severe complications.
Hearing that your child has cerebral palsy is devastating. It may incite anger, make you wonder what went wrong or create a host of questions about your child’s future.
Naturally, addressing your emotions and concerns will take time, as will accepting a CP diagnosis. And though there is nothing you can do to change the past, holding those responsible for their lack of appropriate care can help you address your needs in the future.
