Cerebral Palsy and How Medical Malpractice May be Responsible
April 16, 2012 By The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle coordination and body movement. Cerebral palsy occurs from a lack of oxygen to the brain of the infant during labor or after delivery. It can also occur from premature delivery, infection, and head trauma. Approximately 70% of children who have cerebral palsy developed it due to an event before birth that interfered with normal brain development.
The most common reason for cerebral palsy is a child born prematurely. If an infant is born between the 26th – 30th week of gestational age, he or she will have a much stronger chance of developing cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe and have life-long consequences for the child and the family, including the possible need for full time medical care and treatment. There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy.
It is important for parents to understand that cerebral palsy may not be noticeable at birth, but may take months or even years for the signs to be apparent. Within 3 years, most symptoms will be noticeable. This creates a challenge for parents who think their child’s cerebral palsy may be due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or hospital, as there is a limit to how long the family can wait to initiate a medical malpractice case due to the statute of limitations. This is one of many important reasons why a family who experiences a birth injury such as cerebral palsy needs to consult with an experienced cerebral palsy attorney right away.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy: This is the most common type with approximately 80% of people with cerebral palsy having this form. It is characterized by stiff or difficult movement.
Athetoid cerebral palsy: Approximately 10% of cerebral palsy victims have this type. It is characterized by uncontrollable or involuntary movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type of cerebral palsy is characterized by a distorted sense of balance and depth perception. Children with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty coordinating muscle movements, may show signs of shakiness and be unsteady.
Patients can be tested for cerebral palsy by having a full neurological examination, CT scan and MRI scans of the head, EEG, vision and hearing tests, and blood tests. Treatments can help the child or adult better function with the disorder. Cerebral palsy treatment includes surgery, drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was the result of medical negligence, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376 today for a free consultation. Dr. Fagel is a leading medical malpractice attorney specializing in cerebral palsy, and a licensed medical doctor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Bruce Fagel
Dr. Fagel is an attorney and physician who represents plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases against doctors and hospitals exclusively on behalf of injured patients. His practice focuses on complex medical malpractice cases resulting in catastrophic injuries caused by doctor or hospital negligence, such as birth injury or brain damage, induced hypertension, wrongful death, cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, nursing home negligence, misdiagnosis of cancer and paraplegia cases.
Copyright The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
More information about The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
It is important for parents to understand that cerebral palsy may not be noticeable at birth, but may take months or even years for the signs to be apparent. Within 3 years, most symptoms will be noticeable. This creates a challenge for parents who think their child’s cerebral palsy may be due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or hospital, as there is a limit to how long the family can wait to initiate a medical malpractice case due to the statute of limitations. This is one of many important reasons why a family who experiences a birth injury such as cerebral palsy needs to consult with an experienced cerebral palsy attorney right away.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy: This is the most common type with approximately 80% of people with cerebral palsy having this form. It is characterized by stiff or difficult movement.
Athetoid cerebral palsy: Approximately 10% of cerebral palsy victims have this type. It is characterized by uncontrollable or involuntary movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type of cerebral palsy is characterized by a distorted sense of balance and depth perception. Children with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty coordinating muscle movements, may show signs of shakiness and be unsteady.
Patients can be tested for cerebral palsy by having a full neurological examination, CT scan and MRI scans of the head, EEG, vision and hearing tests, and blood tests. Treatments can help the child or adult better function with the disorder. Cerebral palsy treatment includes surgery, drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was the result of medical negligence, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates at (800) 541-9376 today for a free consultation. Dr. Fagel is a leading medical malpractice attorney specializing in cerebral palsy, and a licensed medical doctor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Bruce Fagel
Dr. Fagel is an attorney and physician who represents plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases against doctors and hospitals exclusively on behalf of injured patients. His practice focuses on complex medical malpractice cases resulting in catastrophic injuries caused by doctor or hospital negligence, such as birth injury or brain damage, induced hypertension, wrongful death, cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, nursing home negligence, misdiagnosis of cancer and paraplegia cases.
Copyright The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
More information about The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
View all articles published by The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
