Understanding Cerebral Palsy as a Result of Birth Injury

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that is the result of a birth injury. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to avoid having this happen to your child. There are many things that can cause cerebral palsy. The main thing to remember is that the birth injury must occur in utero for a child to have cerebral palsy. This means that if a doctor or nurse failed to do something correctly, and this leads to a birth injury that results in cerebral palsy, you may be able to hold them accountable.

At Banville Law, we represent parents in New York who have been injured by a negligent birth injury. Our birth injury attorneys have handled numerous cerebral palsy cases. We know what steps to take to ensure that you get justice for your child.

Local centers that offer treatment for cerebral palsy:

Cerebral Palsy of Westchester
White Plains Hospital
Greenwich Hospital

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by damage to the developing brain. This causes problems with muscle control and movement. It affects one in every four children born each year. Most often, cerebral palsy occurs in babies between three and six months old.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders caused by damage to the developing brain before birth or during early childhood. CP affects movement and posture and may cause problems with muscle tone, coordination, sensation, cognition, communication, vision, hearing, breathing, swallowing, and bladder control.

There are two main types of cerebral palsy—spastic and non-spastic. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary contractions of muscles, causing abnormal movements and stiffness. Non-spastic cerebral palsy does not involve these involuntary contractions.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are two main types of cerebral palsy: spastic and non-spastic.

Spastic cerebral palsy occurs when the muscles become tight due to injury or illness. This causes abnormal movements such as stiffening, jerking, twitching, and contractions.
Non-spastic cerebral palsy results from an abnormality in the development of the brain. Symptoms include poor coordination, clumsiness, and difficulty walking.

Children with cerebral palsy often have problems with speech and language. They may have trouble swallowing, chewing, breathing, and talking. Some children with cerebral palsy cannot walk independently.

In addition to physical disabilities, children with cerebral palsy face emotional challenges. They may struggle socially, academically, and emotionally. Their self-esteem may suffer.

What Are Potential Signs of a Birth Injury That May Result in Cerebral Palsy?

According to NCBI, cerebral palsy is one of the most common birth defects. It affects approximately two babies born each minute worldwide. The CDC has reported that 1 in 345 children in the U.S. has been identified with cerebral palsy.

It occurs when the baby does not receive sufficient oxygen during labor and delivery. This lack of oxygen causes damage to the developing brain.

Spastic cerebral palsy usually develops within the first three years of life. Symptoms include poor coordination, inability to control muscles, abnormal movements, and problems walking.
Non-spastic cerebral palsies may occur at any age. They often affect speech, vision, hearing, learning abilities, and intellectual development.

There are several potential signs of a birth injury that may result in cerebral palsy. If you suspect that your child has been injured during childbirth, contact your doctor immediately.

How is Cerebral Palsy Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics are used to improve motor skills.

Medications may be prescribed to treat pain, seizures, sleep disorders, and depression. Surgery may be necessary to correct deformities caused by cerebral palsy. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove parts of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain.

How May a Cerebral Palsy Attorney Help Me?

Parents often seek legal action after learning their child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They may be able to recover damages from the doctor or hospital responsible. If you think you have a case, contact a qualified birth injury attorney immediately.

Birth injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of medical malpractice laws and procedures. They understand how these laws apply to cases involving cerebral palsy. They also understand the complex issues involved in proving negligence. A birth injury lawyer knows how to investigate the facts surrounding your case. They will interview witnesses, review documents, and gather evidence. An experienced birth injury lawyer understands how to negotiate settlements. They will work with your insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Contact a qualified birth injury lawyer right away if you suspect that your child has been harmed due to negligent care during labor or delivery.

Seek Support From an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer in New York

At Banville Law, our birth injury lawyers have helped parents get compensation for the costs associated with a CP child's special needs. If your child has suffered a CP, you deserve to know your rights and to get the medical care you need to care for your child. Contact us today for a free case evaluation if you believe you or a loved one has a valid birth injury claim.