Orange County Cerebral Palsy Attorney
Permanent disabilities such as cerebral palsy can arise from mistakes made by doctors, nurses, hospitals, or other healthcare professionals during pregnancy, childbirth, or the early years of a child’s life. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by significant brain damage that affects movement, posture, and other functions. Unfortunately, medical errors contribute to thousands of preventable cases of cerebral palsy each year in the United States.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy may have been caused by medical negligence, you could be eligible to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. An experienced cerebral palsy lawyer in Orange County can help you navigate this process. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate medical malpractice attorney who can provide a free evaluation of your case and assist your family in securing the compensation you deserve for your losses and suffering.
How Common Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy refers to a range of disorders that impact movement, balance, and posture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that cerebral palsy affects between 1.5 to 4 children per 1,000 births. It is the most prevalent motor disability in childhood, with approximately 1 in 320 children diagnosed with the condition, according to CDC data.
Cerebral Palsy and Medical Malpractice
While most cases of cerebral palsy arise from environmental or congenital factors, medical errors during prenatal, delivery, or post-natal care contribute to thousands of cases each year. Medical malpractice related to cerebral palsy can include, but is not limited to:
- Failure to detect and treat maternal infections
- Failure to recognize signs of distress in mother and fetus during delivery
- Failure to monitor and respond to maternal and fetal vital signs
- Delay in performing an emergency C-section
- Failure to address complications like umbilical cord compression affecting the newborn’s air supply
- Failure to diagnose and treat conditions such as seizures, meningitis, or jaundice
Inappropriate use of delivery tools, such as vacuum extraction, can also result in cerebral palsy. If your child has cerebral palsy and experienced complications such as forceps delivery, a cesarean section, resuscitation after birth, or conditions like jaundice, seizures, or meningitis, medical malpractice may be a contributing factor.
What are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, according to the CDC. The most common of these is called spastic cerebral palsy, which affects approximately 80% of all people with these disorders. Those with spastic cerebral palsy have increased muscle tone, leading to stiff muscles and awkward movements.
Those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have increased problems controlling the movement of their hands, arms, legs, and feet. These movements are uncontrollable and can be slow or rapid, making it difficult to sit or walk.
Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by problems with balance and coordination. Those with this type of cerebral palsy may be unsteady when they walk and have a hard time with quick movements or movements that need significant control, such as writing.
If a person has symptoms common in more than one type of cerebral palsy, then they will be classified as having mixed cerebral palsy.
What Kind of Compensation is Available for Cerebral Palsy Victims and their Families?
If your child has developed cerebral palsy due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, various types of compensation may be available for your case. Since each case is unique, the total compensation can vary. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, our Orange County birth injury attorneys are experienced in helping families recover the following:
- Coverage for all medical expenses related to the birth injury
- Compensation for any future care the child may require
- Coverage of any medical devices or in-home care
- Lost wages and benefits if a parent is unable to work while caring for their child
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Compensation for loss of personal enjoyment
- Possible punitive damages against a medical provider with gross negligence
Is There Treatment for Cerebral Palsy?
Once a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made, children typically begin physical therapy and rehabilitation promptly. Physical therapy is a crucial aspect of cerebral palsy treatment, focusing on activities that help improve balance, movement, and muscle strength. Physical therapists assist children in developing essential skills such as sitting, walking, and using a wheelchair.
In addition to physical therapy, children with cerebral palsy often benefit from other types of therapy. Occupational therapy helps children learn to perform daily activities like bathing and dressing. Recreational therapy enables participation in art programs and various sports. Speech and language therapy aids in improving speech clarity, teaching alternative communication methods, and addressing swallowing difficulties.
Orthotic devices, such as braces and splints, can be used to enhance balance and movement in affected limbs. Medications may be prescribed to relax overactive or stiff muscles and reduce abnormal movements. In severe cases of cerebral palsy, surgeries might be necessary to lengthen muscles or reposition limbs for better function.
Contact an Orange County Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Under medical malpractice laws, victims who have suffered at the hands of a healthcare professional’s actions or inactions have the right to seek compensation for their damages including pain and suffering, medical expenses, the cost of lifelong treatment and rehabilitation, and more. Cerebral palsy cases are extremely complex and require the skills and knowledge of a competent attorney. The medical malpractice attorneys at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn have extensive experience handling cerebral palsy cases and can help protect your rights and interests every step of the way. Please contact us today for a FREE consultation.