Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a very serious medical condition that can require a lifetime of expensive medical care. While many cases of cerebral palsy are due to unavoidable complications during delivery or genetic conditions, some cases are the result of medical malpractice. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a Laurel cerebral palsy attorney can review your case and determine whether you may have a claim for compensation.

Cerebral Palsy Can Be Caused by Medical Malpractice

To reiterate, not every cerebral palsy case is the result of medical malpractice. However, you may have a medical malpractice claim if the doctor, hospital, or other medical staff fail to meet the established standard of care. Determining the standard of care requires a complex analysis involving the local medical community, the complexity of the case, and the healthcare professional’s level of expertise. That said, many cases of cerebral palsy are the result of the following errors during childbirth: 

• Failure to monitor – The doctor and nurses should be closely monitoring the baby’s vital signs throughout the birthing process. When they fail to make note of irregularities with the baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels, it could indicate problems that can lead to cerebral palsy. 
• Failure to respond to fetal distress – When warning signs do appear, it is critical for the doctor or nurses to correctly diagnose the issue and take the appropriate steps. Failure to do so during a medical emergency, such as a lack of oxygen, could lead to cerebral palsy.
• Failure to perform a C-section – One of the most common ways to respond to a medical emergency during childbirth is to perform an emergency C-section. This is typically done in situations where the baby is not getting enough oxygen. The doctor has only minutes to decide whether the procedure is necessary, but making the wrong decision can lead to cerebral palsy. 

A Laurel cerebral palsy attorney can review your case and determine whether medical malpractice caused your child’s cerebral palsy. 

Medical Treatment is Expensive

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, they will require a lifetime of extensive medical care. If it was caused by medical malpractice, a Laurel cerebral palsy attorney can help you pursue compensation for the following:

• Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
• Medication to manage seizures, muscle spasms, and pain
• Corrective surgery
• Braces, orthotics, wheelchairs, walkers, or other devices to assist with mobility and balance
• Verbal aids to assist with speech

In addition, you may also be entitled to compensation for the effect on your quality of life and lost income or earning capacity due to caring for a child with special needs. 

Call Laurel Cerebral Palsy Attorney Thomas E. Pyles Today

At the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, we understand the challenges that families face when their child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. With over 35 years of experience, we know how to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable so that you can get the care your child deserves. To discuss your case and how we can help, contact us today at 301-705-5006 to schedule a free consultation.