Cerebral palsy happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen during birth. It is typically caused by preventable mistakes or omissions by medical professionals, which fall under the banner of medical malpractice. If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and you suspect that it might stem from medical malpractice or negligence, you should contact a cerebral palsy attorney to seek compensation.
Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are responsible for the health and well-being of all their patients, including mothers and babies. They must use their extensive knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat different health issues, including those that can cause birth injuries like cerebral palsy.
If a doctor fails to diagnose and deal with issues that could lead to cerebral palsy, they may be liable for medical malpractice. In that case, their malpractice led to cerebral palsy.
As with general medical malpractice, doctors, and nurses can do or not do several things that lead to cerebral palsy malpractice. One of these is failure to diagnose.
Pregnancy is quite complicated, with many women experiencing medical conditions, infections, and illnesses that can put their babies in danger of cerebral palsy, among other medical injuries and emergencies.
Prenatal service, tests, and care have come a long way in ensuring women and their babies are safe and healthy during pregnancy.
Medical professionals must use prenatal visits to diagnose and treat any issues that present a risk to the baby or mother. Failure to do this means they could be responsible in case of cerebral palsy or any other birth injury.
The other is a direct injury during birth. Since cerebral palsy occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, any actions that cause this issue or do not directly address any problems that cause it could be considered medical malpractice.
For example, a doctor may perform actions that lead to the baby being deprived of oxygen before, during, and after delivery. They may also fail to deal with an umbilical cord complication or prolonged labor, both precursors of cerebral palsy.
The other is failure to treat. Many babies are born with jaundice, a condition where the baby has high levels of bilirubin in the blood that causes their eyes and skin to turn yellow. Jaundice can cause kernicterus which can cause brain damage. Illnesses like meningitis can also do the same if untreated.
You should pursue compensation if your child has suffered a birth injury that has caused cerebral palsy. You might have to cater for significant medical expenses, and your child will likely need support throughout their lives. You can hire a cerebral palsy attorney to look into your case, collect evidence, and file your lawsuit correctly so you get the compensation you deserve.
Cerebral palsy might not be as common as other birth injuries, but it is very serious. It has no cure, which means it is a life-long condition that requires constant care. Parents who suspect their children suffered a birth injury that led to cerebral palsy can sue for compensation, taking care to do it right so everything goes as expected.