Could Labor Problems Cause Cerebral Palsy in Your Child?

 Posted on September 29, 2023 in Cerebral Palsy

Discovering that your child has a lifelong condition that might have been avoided is a gut-wrenching experience. A long childbirth can sometimes result in cerebral palsy and other potential health challenges for your baby. Now, your child may be looking at a future with restricted independence and ongoing treatments, depending on how severe the condition is. If you suspect medical negligence during your pregnancy, labor, delivery, or neonatal care, you need an Illinois birth injury attorney to fight for you and your child and support you every step of the way.

How Can Medical Negligence Lead to Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy arises from brain damage, often occurring during or shortly after childbirth, impacting a child's mobility and balance. This condition has a lifelong impact on your child's life.

The primary culprits behind cerebral palsy due to birth injuries are oxygen deprivation and head trauma before, during, or after birth. Under Illinois law, you could have a case of medical malpractice if some of the following medical mistakes resulted in oxygen deprivation leading to cerebral palsy:

• Failing to perform an emergency Cesarean section when necessary

• Prolonged labor lasting 18 hours or more

• Neglecting to monitor the baby's heartbeat

• Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extraction

• Missing signs of a prolapsed cord

If you suspect these errors occurred during your child's birth, seeking legal counsel is crucial to understanding your options and protecting your family's rights.

What Can I Do if the Medical Bills are Piling Up for Cerebral Palsy Treatments?

Regrettably, there is no cure for cerebral palsy, which means the road ahead can be financially challenging. The aim of treatment is to maximize your child's independence, but it comes at a cost. Medications, specialized medical equipment, and therapies like speech, physical, and occupational therapy can be expensive. This is not a short-term expense; it is a lifelong commitment, and in some cases, your child may require round-the-clock care.

We are here to support you in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve to ensure your child receives the necessary care. Our goal is to investigate often overlooked aspects, revealing medical team negligence as the root cause of cerebral palsy, and holding those responsible accountable for your child's condition.

When Should I Consider Filing a Lawsuit?

If you had complications during labor and delivery that resulted in your child developing cerebral palsy, it is crucial to be aware of your rights and take action sooner rather than later. In Illinois, specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, apply to medical malpractice cases:

• You have a two-year window to file a lawsuit from the date of the injury that caused your child's cerebral palsy.

• If the harm is not immediately evident, you can still file a case within four years from the time the injury occurred.

• When birth injuries lead to cerebral palsy or any related condition, you must initiate legal proceedings within the first eight years of your child's life.

Schedule a free consultation with a Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer

If your child was born with cerebral palsy and you suspect medical negligence you and your child have rights. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. we can guide you and help you figure out how to move forward following a birth injury. A seasoned Illinois birth injury attorney can go over your options. Call 312-462-4200 for a free consultation.