Experienced Representation for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common childhood developmental disorders in the country. Thousands of children are diagnosed with the motor disability each year. A large percentage of those with CP may never walk independently. There are several risk factors for cerebral palsy, including when a child is deprived of oxygen during the labor and delivery process.
If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to compensation. At Injured 914, our cerebral palsy lawyers will review your case to help determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. In the event that your child’s CP was the result of malpractice, we can help hold any liable parties accountable for their negligence. Contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free case evaluation.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affects a person’s movement, coordination, and muscle tone. It is the leading motor disability in childhood and is usually diagnosed before age 2. Cerebral palsy can affect a person’s ability to walk, maintain balance, and speak.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cerebral palsy is caused by “abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain.” While the symptoms can range in severity, many children diagnosed with CP require lifelong care and treatment. If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, contact our office to discuss your legal options with a medical malpractice attorney.
How Common Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder affecting approximately 1 in 345 children. An estimated 10,000 children are diagnosed each year with the disability.
It is more commonly diagnosed in boys, and many suffer from co-occurring conditions. As noted by the CDC, around 4 in 10 children with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy, and 1 in 10 are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
While a cause is not always known, it is most often related to brain damage that occurs before or during birth. Cerebral palsy caused by abnormal brain development or damage before or during birth is known as congenital CP. Approximately 85-90% of cerebral palsy is congenital.
Risk factors for congenital cerebral palsy include:
- Low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds)
- Premature birth (born before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Maternal infections
- Infertility treatments
- Jaundice and kernicterus
- Complications during birth resulting in fetal oxygen deprivation
CP caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage over 28 days after birth is called acquired CP. Only a fraction of CP cases are acquired. Many of these cases are the result of an infection or traumatic head injury.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is classified into four main types. The classification is based on the type of movement disorder experienced by the patient and which area of the brain is affected.
The four main types of cerebral palsy are:
- Spastic cerebral palsy – Spastic CP is the most common type of cerebral palsy affecting approximately 80% of those diagnosed with the disorder. Individuals with spastic CP often experience muscle stiffness. In severe cases such as individuals with spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis, all four limbs are affected.
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy – Individuals with dyskinetic CP often have difficulty controlling the movement in their extremities. They may experience rapid jerking and often have varying muscle tone.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy – Ataxic CP is marked by balance and coordination problems. Individuals diagnosed with this condition may have trouble walking and difficulty with fine motor control.
- Mixed cerebral palsy – In some cases, a person may have multiple types of cerebral palsy. The most common, as noted by the CDC, is spastic-dyskinetic.
If your child sustained a birth injury and was subsequently diagnosed with CP, contact our White Plains cerebral palsy lawyers to discuss your case.
Do I Have a Case?
When cerebral palsy is caused by a medical provider’s negligence, such as a doctor’s failure to order a cesarean section, you might be entitled to compensation. Even mild cases of cerebral palsy can require years of physical therapy and medical treatment. If your child’s CP was preventable, you should not have to pay the costs of receiving the best care possible.
Many children diagnosed with CP have delays in motor development and intellectual disabilities. Medical costs for these conditions can exceed tens of thousands of dollars in just a few short years. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether you should pursue financial recovery against a negligent healthcare provider.
Hiring a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in New York
If your child received a cerebral palsy diagnosis after a complicated birth, contact our office at (914) 368-7168. Our cerebral palsy lawyers will investigate your case to determine if your child’s CP was the result of medical negligence. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be entitled to damages.
At Injured 914, we have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured parties. Our legal team fights tirelessly to get our clients the results they deserve. Call now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
