What Birth Injuries Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy?

 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Cerebral Palsy

Did you know that cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of U.S. childhood disabilities? CP is an umbrella term for various neurological disorders that inhibit muscle coordination and control, affecting body movement to varying degrees. Children with CP are permanently disabled, although these conditions do not worsen as time passes. The severity of cerebral palsy varies, from causing minor issues to requiring life-long specialized care.

Some cases of cerebral palsy are due to natural causes, such as maternal infections during pregnancy and genetic abnormalities. However, in many cases, cerebral palsy is due to a birth injury. Doctors and other medical professionals can be held accountable with the assistance of an experienced Cook County, IL birth injury attorney.

What Birth Injuries Can Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Birth injuries are those that occur during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Although medical providers are obligated to uphold high care standards to protect the health of an expectant mother and her unborn children, medical negligence can take many forms, such as:

• Using vacuum extractors or forceps incorrectly, with excessive force, or when unnecessary

• Failing to treat maternal infections during the pregnancy

• Failing to monitor fetal vital signs or recognize fetal distress

• Allowing the mother to have a prolonged labor rather than performing a C-section if necessary

• Failing to recognize or manage umbilical cord compression or prolapse

Unborn babies rely on their mother’s body for oxygen during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. If that oxygen supply is reduced or cut off, brain damage or fetal death can occur. Reduced oxygen is a leading cause of cerebral palsy, and competent medical providers should take appropriate precautions to ensure an uninterrupted supply. If medical negligence is the cause of a child’s cerebral palsy, the parents can likely secure compensation for various damages.

What Do Cerebral Palsy Damages Cover?

In medical malpractice cases, damages are the compensation and reimbursement you could collect for specified losses. Children with cerebral palsy may require:

• Life-long medical care

• Specialized caregivers

• Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs

• Therapy

Parents often suffer from emotional and mental distress, along with losing vast amounts of income because of the need to care for their child with CP. Your lawyer knows how to estimate the long-term expenses associated with cerebral palsy accurately. We also understand how this condition can affect your entire family.

Medical malpractice cases are complicated. Most people do not fully understand the medical terms or the potential outcomes of a medical professional’s actions or failure to act. Without a competent attorney on your side, the compensation you may receive will likely fall far short of the amount you need and deserve.

Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Chicago, IL Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

When you choose Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., you can trust us to provide highly effective legal representation while giving you full support and compassion. We can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us online or call 312-462-4200 to arrange your complimentary case review with one of our dedicated Cook County, IL birth injury attorneys.