Posted in Medical Malpractice
Washington DC Medical Malpractice Attorney, Wayne Cohen, Weighs in
The experienced attorneys at Cohen & Cohen will stand by your side if medical negligence has contributed to cerebral palsy in the DC area. Cerebral palsy, or CP, is the result of abnormalities of or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement and balance. It can be caused by a difficult birth, prematurity, infections during pregnancy, or head trauma as an infant. Cerebral palsy has no cure, and individuals with CP may require surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapies. Individuals with CP may exhibit only minor symptoms or major disabilities.
Individuals with cerebral palsy have low muscle tone, stiff muscles, and coordination difficulties. They may also have problems speaking, swallowing, seeing, and hearing. Infants often do not meet regular milestones and struggle especially with physical development, including rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking. Some individuals with CP face thinking and reasoning difficulties as well. It’s clear to see how CP can cause a lifetime of challenges for families affected.
Approximately 85 percent of cases of CP are congenital. This means they are caused by damage to the brain both before and during birth. More specifically, difficulties during childbirth can cause cerebral palsy. Infants who experience a lack of oxygen during delivery (intrapartum asphyxia) are at risk of developing CP, epilepsy, motor delays, and cognitive impairment.
Intrapartum asphyxia can be caused by a number of complications. Doctors who fail to perform a cesarean section when the baby is showing signs of distress may contribute to brain injuries and cerebral palsy. Other preventable complications include the misuse of forceps or vacuum during childbirth and failure to predict that the baby is too large for the birth canal.
Experienced DC Personal Injury Attorneys
During the pain and excitement of the childbirth process, you may not even realize these complications have occurred. That is why it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney if your child has developed cerebral palsy. A careful review of your medical records may indicate that there were issues during childbirth that may have contributed to intrapartum asphyxia.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in DC
If your child has cerebral palsy, you face an uncertain future of medical bills and expensive therapies. Obviously no amount of money can make up for a lifetime of disabilities, but our attorneys can work to ensure that your family is adequately prepared to deal with expenses and provide beneficial therapies. Contact Cohen & Cohen today for a free consultation.
