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Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a type of birth injury caused during childbirth and is the most common motor skill condition in childhood. It is a combination of disorders that can ultimately impact a child’s gait, muscle tone, motor skills, coordination and cognitive development. Treatment is a life-long ordeal that can cause you, your child and your entire family great emotional and financial stress.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of the birthing process, reach out to a Delaware birth injury lawyer for help. The lawyers at Shelsby & Leoni P.A. are here to discuss your rights. You and your child may be entitled to compensation for a doctor’s potential negligence.
Causes of CP
CP is divided into 2 categories: congenital and acquired. CP that is caused during the birthing process falls into the congenital category and can be caused by trauma to the baby’s head during birth, improper use of forceps during delivery and a prolonged shortage of oxygen to the baby’s brain while being delivered. It is estimated that 85% of all CP cases fall into the congenital category.
Acquired CP can occur within 28 days of your child being born. It is typically caused by brain damage or an infection like encephalitis or meningitis. Issues with blood flowing to the brain can also result in acquired CP and can be caused by cerebrovascular accidents such as a stroke, brain hemorrhage associated with a blood clotting problem, improperly formed blood vessels, a congenital heart defect or sickle cell disease.
No matter what caused your baby to be born with CP you may be entitled to significant compensation for your emotional and financial damages.
Types of CP
There are 3 primary types of cerebral palsy, each with its own set of symptoms. Although it is important to know that each case is unique and your child may demonstrate symptoms for one or more CP types, which include:
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy – this type is distinguished by the child having problems regarding balance and depth perception
- Athetoid Cerebral Palsy – with this type the child may suffer from involuntary muscle movements that they cannot control
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy – this form exhibits extreme muscle rigidity, stiffness and muscle spasms
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
The most common cerebral palsy symptoms include:
- Bleeding in the Brain
- Meningitis
- Head injury
- Jaundice
Both forms of CP are more common when certain risk factors are present. These are baby being born prematurely or with a low birth weight, an infection, as part of a multiple birth (i.e. twins), or jaundice. Additional risk factors include untreated jaundice leading to kernicterus, placenta or uterus injury and babies conceived via Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
How a Delaware Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Many cases of cerebral palsy are a direct result of substandard medical care. A birth injury will change your life and your child’s life forever. Your child may never be able to enjoy the same quality of life as other children, and you may face insurmountable medical expenses and mental anguish.
All of this may entitle you to benefits and compensation. Working with a skilled and experienced Delaware birth injury attorney can help you get the compensation you and your family are entitled to.
Contact Shelsby & Leoni for Help with Your Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
Contact the team at Shelsby & Leoni P.A. for help today. We are skilled trial lawyers dedicated to making sure all liable parties are held responsible for your child’s injuries. We fight to get you the compensation you and your family deserve.
