Cerebral palsy, which can be caused by complications during the labor and delivery process as well as by medical malpractice, is one of the most common birth injuries in the United States.
Cerebral palsy includes several disorders of the brain and nervous system that can include symptoms such as problems with walking, muscle coordination, speech development and motor skills. It can also lead to cognitive disabilities, hearing and vision problems, and seizures.
In a 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of children with cerebral palsy, it was found that 33 percent were unable to walk or had difficulty walking. Children with cerebral palsy are more likely to suffer from other disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, epilepsy or vision impairment.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by medical errors in labor and delivery that result in a lack of oxygen to the infant’s brain, called hypoxia. The condition can also be caused by other birth trauma.
Treatment for cerebral palsy includes many different aspects, such as physical and occupational therapy, medication, surgery and orthotics. Such treatment can last for the patient’s entire life and can be very expensive.
Whenever medical errors result in injury to a child at birth, the parents should consult with a qualified medical malpractice attorney to determine whether they may be able to receive compensation through the legal process.